Great picture of Saint Gervais (nearest) & Steps To Freedom landing over the last together© Photo Healy Racing
Saint Gervais edged out Steps To Freedom on the run-in to take the Kelly, Foley & Co Beginners Chase providing Andrew McNamara with a 103/1 double (won the second on Flatfoot Boogie .
The John Kiely trained eight-year-old son of Revoque was 4/1 this morning with Paddy Power, but he was friendless with punters, opening on-course at 11/2 before going off at 7/1.
The now five time career winner was having just his third start over fences this evening, and he was settled behind the leaders.
He came with his challenge entering the straight, and he had a good battle with Steps To Freedom, before edging ahead on the run-in to score by a length.
Steps To Freedom was sent off the 8/11 favourite for Jessica Harrington and Robbie Power, but he had to settle for second for the fifth time in-a-row, while Run With The Wind was fourteen lengths back in third under Phillip Enright (replaced Barry Geraghty) for Michael Hourigan at 12/1.
John Kiely said afterwards: "That’s not before time. I was a little disappointed with him at Roscommon the last day but Black Benny was on form there.
"He’ll keep going now while the ground is good."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
