Mighty Whitey jumps the last ahead of Darwins Theory © Photo Healy Racing
The Noel Kelly trained Mighty Whitey got off the mark on his first start over fences as he took the Mid Summer Beginners Chase under Mick Darcy.
The eight-year-old son of Sesaro won a selling hurdle on his last start at Hexham just over a week ago and he was sent off a 6/1 chance to follow up today.
Prominent early he took up the running after jumping the second.
He was challenged and joined by Darwins Theory at the second last, but a better jump at the last saw Mighty Whitey regain the lead and he kept on well under a strong drive on the run-in to hold off the aforementioned John Queally trained gelding by half a length.
The runner-up was returned a 20/1 chance under Ger Fox, while Ultra Light finished a further seven and a half lengths back in third under Andrew Lynch for Robbie Hennessy at 11/2. Thomond was sent off the 6/4 favourite under Paul Carberry for Noel Meade but he faded after the second last and finished a disappointing sixth.
Noel Kelly said afterwards: "For his first time over fences he ran very well. You wouldn't put him over the bigger fences, he'll run at Tramore or here.
"He loves that ground. This track suits him. He could go back to Sligo, he's entered this week but it's unlikely he will go there this week.
"He's very game. Mick said he wanted to go long at everything. I wasn't sure he would get the trip."
STEWARDS REPORT
P. Carberry, rider of Thomond, trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount emptied quickly going to the second last fence.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
