Embracing Change and Philip Enright© Photo Healy Racing
Robert Tyner, on the mark at Newbury yesterday with Carrigmoorna Rock, in a Listed mares' novices' hurdle, and indeed with a double at Rockfield point-to-point in Roscommon, struck again on the weekend when Embracing Change just got up under Philip Enright to land a thrilling Bar One Racing Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.
This event may be run over a gruelling three miles five but that didn't stop several still holding claims down over the final two fences. Thomond did well to be still there at the business end having been hampered going out on to the final circuit.
When thorough stayer Sword Fish got to the front it looked as though he'd be difficult to upstage but upstaged he was as Embracing Change stayed on doggedly to get there by a short head with just half a length and two and a half lengths to Vasco Du Mee and Thomond in third and fourth.
"It was a tough performance. He would have been an unlucky loser as he missed the second last. It nearly cost him but he jumped the last well and landed running," suggested Tyner.
"I was concerned about the ground but not the trip. He's a little cut in a leg that will need a few stitches and may hold him up. That could rule out the Paddy Power Chase."
On Carrigmoorna Rock the Cork handler said: "She was very impressive at Newbury. I've had the mares' race at Leopardstown in my head all year but she could go to England again." (AM & EM)
