4.25 2m. 1f. 11 Declared. Adare Manor Opportunity H'cap S'chase of €11,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €6,600.00 2nd - €2,200.00 3rd - €1,100.00 4th - €550.00 5th - €330.00 6th - €220.00
FormscanBy Tom Weekes - Eleven year old WESTERN BOY can make a winning handicap chase debut. A smart type on his day, he finished seventh to Vautour in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham, is a winner at the Punchestown festival and while his career has been hit by injuries, has returned to form in recent times and comes here following two useful recent runs. He competes from chase rating of just 106 and with age not yet hindering him, he can take plenty beating. Similarly owned Weihnachts is winless from 13 starts but has hinted at potential in handicaps. He should come on from his Galway reappearance run but might struggle to beat the selection. JP McManus' other runner Nearly Nama'd, a 12yo, had shown enough recently to suggest he can get involved in handicaps as his rating has fallen but this looks quite competitive. All The Chimneys, another in receipt of free travel, is a fine servant who comes here following a good run at Tipperary latest and has solid place claims. Flamingo's Court was a winner at Thurles in February two days before sent black-type hunting and while she could get involved, lacks a recent outing. Free-going Kavanaghs Corner did well last winter but races from a joint-career high mark. %0A
An extended handicap steeplechase for four years old and upwards (116 = 11st 10lbs)Weights - Top weight in the original handicap and after the time of declaration shall not be less than 11st 10lbs and the minimum weight is 9st 12lbsPenalties - Winner of a steeplechase after calculation of the handicap shall carry 5lb extra for each steeplechase won.Riders - Confined to Professional Riders under I.N.H.S. Rules who have not lost the right to claim the allowance under Rule 52 (iii). Allowances - (which are not cumulative, up to and including 13th October) Riders who have not ridden the winners of 25 *races allowed..........4lb Those who have not ridden the winners of 40 *races allowed..........2lb No allowance under Rule 52 (iii) may be claimed *Including races under any N.H. Rules or Rules of Racing The Riders of the first three horses will receive €250, €150 and €100 respectively from the I.N.H.S. Committee