Tinakellylad and Martin Ferris clear the last at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Martin Ferris judged things to a nicety in front on Tinakellylad in the #10 Admission Handicap Chase at Punchestown and his rivals could never get to grips with the clear pace-setting 33/1 shot.
The Witness Box gelding had sported cheek-pieces in the past but today the blinkers were on in the hope of the nine-year-old recapturing his best.
Winning trainer Mouse Morris explained: "He had ability and lost his way. That was the only way to ride him with the blinkers – they were either going to work or not."
Work the blinds certainly did, with Ferris soon sending his partner well clear. Despite having a reduced advantage four out and being ridden two out, in truth he never looked like getting caught.
He wasn't fluent at the last and try as the well-backed Los Amigos might he was still three and a quarter lengths adrift of Tinakellylad at the line.
Favourite, King Vuvuzela never looked likely to credit Ruby Walsh with his fourth winner in as many races and ultimately came home in third place, ten lengths off the principals.
The Stewards requested a report from M.F.Morris, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Tinakellylad, placed first, as compared with its recent form. M.F. Morris reported that his charge benefitted today from the application of blinkers and a change in riding tactics whereby he made the running. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(AM & EM)
