Mad Brian, middle, jumping the last at Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
Only five runners in the novice chase at Killarney, but the first four home were only separated by two and a half lengths.
Dick Dundee had fallen at the second last in the two mile six race when beaten, however, arguably any one of the other four runners could have prevailed after the last.
It was Mad Brian who came through best with Keith Donoghue to win at 5/1. He had been 10s in the morning, but part of this price reduction was down to Lord Ben, Fully Funded and Whats Happening being declared non runners.
Mad Brian, on his chasing debut, won by a length over Toner D’Oudairies. Turban was the 11/10 favourite for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, but he never looked like winning over this longer trip.
Walsh did well to survive a mid race blunder by his charge. In the end he came home fourth.
Gillian Callaghan trains Mad Brian and she said: “That’s a great way to start over fences. He’s been schooling at home and he was excellent today.
“Keith gave him a great ride. He’ll have a little break over the summer.”
The successful Black Steel Square Syndicate come from Bailieborough, Co Cavan.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
