Fitzhenry and Donal McInerney pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
After going down narrowly on his last start at Punchestown, Fitzhenry deservedly got his head in front this afternoon, as he took the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Having opened the even money favourite on-course, the Paul Nolan trained gelding drifted out to a starting price of 11/8.
The son of Flemensfirth travelled best approaching the straight, and hit the front after two out. It looked as if he was set for a comfortable victory from there, however he needed to be ridden out on the run-in to see off Routes Choice by three parts of a length.
The runner-up was returned a 7/1 chance under Barry Browne for Philip Dempsey, while the front-running Bitview Colin (14/1) was another eight and a half lengths back in third, with Cathal Landers aboard for John Ryan.
The winning handler said afterwards: "I don't think he'll get seven pounds for winning today; he got seven pounds for being second the last day!
"We'll look for something over a longer trip as he definitely wants three miles on the basis of that. We'll keep him handicapping and he might pick up another one.
"He had plenty of time to get back up (after his mistake at the final fence) the last day but he didn't so you can't keep making excuses for horses but in fairness he's only young and hopefully he'll get better."
Fitzhenry is owned by race sponsor JP McManus.
STEWARDS REPORTS
C.D. Timmons, rider of Flemenstorm trained by Edward Cawley, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung right and jumped right throughout this race.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Flemenstorm, trained by Edward Cawley, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Stewards interviewed C.A. Landers, rider of Bitview Colin, concerning his use of the whip in the last circuit of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found C.A. Landers to be in breach of Regulation 10.3 (f) in that he used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards suspended C.A. Landers for four racedays and ordered him to R.A.C.E. for one day's tuition on the correct use of the whip.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
