Monotype (nearest) just gets up to beat Dis Donc (far side) and Get Out Of Jail (centre)© Photo Healy Racing
Bryan Cooper and Paul Nolan recorded their third win in the space of a week, as Monotype got up on the line to land the Toals.com Casino Handicap Hurdle.
Successful at Limerick over Christmas, Monotype ran well on his two starts since, finishing fourth and third respectively.
Fitted with a tongue strap for the first time today, he was sent off a 7/1 chance in the colours of owner John Brennan.
Settled towards rear, the son of Makfi had plenty to do in sixth as they entered the straight. He was pushed along in a moderate fourth from two out, but really got going when ridden on the run-in, getting up on the line to win by a nose. Dis Donc (2/1fav), who himself kept on well, was the one just denied, and he had to settle for second under Sean Flanagan for Noel Meade. Get Out Of Jail (the outsider of the field at 40/1) looked to have stolen the race as they entered the straight, but he just couldn't see it out, and was a neck back in third under Mark Bolger for John McConnell.
Nolan, who was successful with Quamino at Wexford on Saturday and Castafiore Park at Limerick on Monday, said afterwards: "They didn't go that quick as I'd say they realised how bad the ground is after the first race.
"We stuck a tongue tie on today for no real reason other than to see would it help him a little bit. The last couple of times he was a little bit keen and didn't get home when he looked the winner in Fairyhouse, and he was clear turning in here another day and got caught.
"In fairness to Bryan he switched him off there today and it worked. He'll probably stick to handicap hurdles this season and he goes on the ground. Now that he settles we can up him in trip, and if there is soft ground in Punchestown we could go for that."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards interviewed B.J. Cooper, rider of Monotype, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found B.J. Cooper in breach of Regulation 10.3 (e) in that he used his whip other than down the shoulder or the hind quarters. Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards cautioned him.
D.N. Russell, rider of Mallowney trained by Timothy Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount emptied leaving the back straight.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
