Hidden Cyclone is clear at Listowel© Photo Healy Racing
One might have expected better in the jumping department from such an experienced bunch but it was Hidden Cyclone that was impeded least by fencing frailties in the Southampton Goodwill Steeplechase at Listowel.
Andrew McNamara led four out on Hidden Cyclone and though Tribes And Banner jumped up quick behind him at the next, it was soon a matter of bar a fall for John 'Shark' Hanlon's charge.
The fact that he was highly unconvincing at the last mattered little in the end and the victorious Stowaway gelding passed the line two lengths in front of the well-backed Forpadydeplasterer (11/2 into 7/2).
Anyone that joined in the punt on the eventual 15/8 favourite, Spring Heeled this morning, had their tickets torn up from some way out with less than fluent jumping. To his credit he kept going for the third spot, four lengths behind Forpadydeplasterer.
It was hardly any great surprise to anyone when English raider, the outsider, Chaninbar refused to race.
Hanlon commented: "He ran well considering that he was a bit sketchy with his jumping. Andrew tried to put him right at the last but he ended up putting him completely wrong – but in fairness he gave him a great ride.
"He gave him a confident ride. He took a lead and below turning in it was all over.
I'm very happy with him.
"He's my stable star – last year the horse was never right. He's after turning a corner. He had problems that we've got sorted and thanks bit of God he showed what he can do today.
"The Paddy Power at Cheltenham in November is in my mind for him but he needs to tidy up his jumping a bit.
"He's a very ignorant horse and in the stable he'd knock the door down.
"We knew he was working well though coming here and this was a good pot to pick up."
Meanwhile McNamara remarked: "When I took a look around at the second last I felt we had the race in safe-keeping.
"He can be a bit head-strong at times so I let him relax down to pop the last but he overdid the instructions and put in an extra stride.
"I've seen him do that schooling before though and I was never overly worried as I knew I had enough horse to pick up again at the back of it." (TW & EM)
