Questions Answered and Rob Jones jump the final hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Questions Answered defied his penalty for Sunday’s success at Limerick when running out a game winner of the three-mile handicap hurdle at Clonmel.
Eric McNamara’s charge was given 4lb for his recent victory and had to battle again to score in today’s contest.
Rob Jones delivered him to lead before the second last and he shook off front-runner Lookoutnow before the final flight.
Supreme Carolina finished well on the run-in but could only get within half a length at the line.
The winner, rated 18lb higher over fences, has won twice over hurdles now having fallen in the Munster National last month.
“It’s nice when they work out. He’s a smashing horse. Rather than run him in the Paddy Power (at Cheltenham on Saturday), where he was likely to be fifth or sixth these two races were the plan instead.
“I purposely didn’t enter him in the Troytown as it comes too soon. The Paddy Power at Leopardstown over Christmas is a possibility.
“The handicapper was fair to him giving him 6lb after winning the last day.
“If I had half a dozen like him fellas would say you were a genius!”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
