Way Up In The Air (Phillip Enright) clears the final fence from Some Benefit (Rob Geoghegan) at Thurles© Photo Healy Racing
Robert Tyner has his team in cracking form both on the track and in 'points' where he's leading handler. Stable jockey Phillip Enright landed the opening Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Mares Beginners Chase at Thurles on Way Up In The Air
The Noel Hanley silks have been carried by some of those point-to-point winners, including Fiddlers Way, Derek O'Connor's 900th winner, at Knockanard recently, and Enright donned them here aboard Way Up In The Air.
It wasn't long before the successful market-leader was in front. It was bar a fall from a long way out, and that never looked likely as she jumped well.
In the end Way Up In The Air crossed the line nine lengths to the good from 50/1 shot Some Benefit
Tyner stated: "She was entitled to do that. He (Enright) said she lost her action after the third last in Mallow (when a disappointment in December) although she was fine afterwards.
"She was probably outclassed in Leopardstown (the Boylesports.com Hurdle – pulled up) the last day. She would have been better if she'd had a lead and I thought she was doing a bit too much in the middle part of the race here.
"She's a big mare (17.2) and she jumps fences very well."
Andrew J.McNamara, rider of Ivy Glen trained by Patrick Gerard Ryan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Ivy Glen, at the request of trainer, Patrick Gerard Ryan, and reported the animal to have burst a blood vessel.
(AM & EM)
