Grey horse Raptor winning at Wexford under Ruby Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Raptor duly won the Audrey McGrath Memorial Chase over two miles and a furlong at Wexford but it wasn’t a dominant performance from the 2/5 favourite.
Ruby Walsh was content to race in second behind clear front-runner Regal D’estruval and closed up to hit the front after the second last. However, the pair were unable to shake off Great Oak (6/1) and Mark Enright who forged on well to be a length and three parts in arrears at the line.
Only six horses went to post as hat-trick seeking Baily Green, who was projected to be Raptor’s main rival, was pulled out due to the change in going.
Gary Davies, travelling head man for trainer Willie Mullins, said: “He did it well. It probably helped that Baily Green came out as it made his task easier.
“He didn’t do a whole lot in front but his class got him through. Probably a longer trip would suit him better.”
Regal D’estruval, who cut out the pace, plugged on for third spot.
Michael Graham (on course reporting by Alan Magee)
