Mossey Joe © Photo Healy Racing
Mossey Joe galloped his rivals into submission with a powerful performance in the Tetratema Perpetual Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park.
Declan McNamara's charge had looked a top prospect a few seasons ago but injury and a few heavy falls had plagued his career.
His hunter chase debut at Leopardstown last month had ended early when he unseated his rider at the second but there were no problems for Damien Skehan today.
The Moscow Society gelding pulled his way to the front at the fourth fence and opened up a healthy advantage going out on the final circuit.
He galloped on strongly from the fourth last and Skehan could afford to take things handy in the straight as he popped the last three fences to record a 19-length success over early leader Family Official.
The winner looked head and shoulders above his rivals if he could recapture anywhere near his best but those doubts saw him go off a 13/8 favourite.
“He seems to be back to himself and that's a relief,” said McNamara.
“The last 18 months have been a nightmare for him. I didn't really know what to expect and we've nothing mapped out after this.
“He won a lot more impressive than I even hoped but we won't get carried away with a weak race.
“The Punchestown Champion Hunters seems the sensible option and I'll talk to the owner. Hopefully he's alright in the morning.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
