Mossey Joe did it like a 4/5 shot should running out an easy fourteen length winner of the O'Keeffe, O'Shea, O'Connor Solicitors Novice Chase in the hands of Barry Geraghty.
On just his second start for his new yard (previously with Willie Austin) the 8yo gelding recorded his fifth career victory on just his seventh start. Having won two point-to-points at Lisronagh & Stradbally before winning a novice hunters chase on his racecourse debut at Tipperary and following that up with a Grade 3 hurdle success at Cork last December.
The winning son of Moscow Society joined long time leader The Big Boyo at the third last, where he made slight mistake, but recovered quickly, went clear approaching two out and stayed on well to record a bloodless victory from Ainama in second.
His trainer Declan McNamara who trains in Cratloe, Co Clare said afterwards, "He did what we hoped he'd do. Punchestown (where he finished second to Askanna) probably came too soon for him. When he is right he is very good.
"He is very keen and we have tried everything to settle him down, but nothing makes a difference. He had earplugs in today.
"Barry (Geraghty) said he probably wants reasonably good ground and he might have one more run before we put him away."
Donal Murphy
