Hidden Cyclone falls at the last to leave Home Farm clear© Photo Healy Racing
Home Farm regained the winning thread on his first outing for Henry de Bromhead when landing the featured John Meagher Memorial Chase at Thurles.
The former Arthur Moore-trained gelding and Hidden Cyclone were sent off the 6/4 joint favourites in this Listed event, and the pair had the race between them inside the final half-mile.
David Casey’s mount held about a length advantage but the result was far from decided when Hidden Cyclone fell at the final fence, leaving the son of Presenting to come home six lengths clear of Foildubh
Both Andrew McNamara and Hidden Cyclone, runner-up in the Ryanair Chase last March, appeared none the worse for the fall afterwards.
Much of the action was hidden from those watching in the stands as the track was shrouded in a dense fog but a mobile camera proved a great help in providing pictures from the outer roadway.
De Bromhead said, “His form, third in an Irish National, before he came to us was rock solid. He had a wind op before he came to me and I’d say that’s made a tremendous difference to him.
“I’m delighted to get him, he’s a lovely horse and jumps amazing. David said he was a little keen throughout but he gave him a super ride. This was a starting point to see where we are with him. You can do everything at home but it’s not until you are out on the track that you can really see where you are going.
“We’ll see what the handicapper thinks after that today, and work from there. He was fifth in the Paddy Power last Christmas and that was the original plan, so we’ll have to discuss things with Chris (Jones, owner) and see where we go.
“He should be an ideal candidate for Aintree and the better the ground the better he is. If it came up goodish I’d say he’d love it around there.”
The Co. Waterford trainer also reflected on Sizing Europe’s latest run when soundly beaten on testing ground in the Clonmel Oil Chase last Thursday saying, “It just wasn’t for him on the day but he seems great since. We’ll look at our options with him and decide from there.”
(TW & AM)
