2.15 2m. 2f. 5-y-o plus9 Ran
Cashel Fine Art S´chase of €30,000.00 5-y-o plus

1st - €19,530.00, 2nd - €6,000.00, 3rd - €3,000.00, 4th - €1,200.00 9 Ran

A welcome return to the winners enclosure for former dual Grade 1 winner CAILIN ALAINN, whose career appeared to be unravelling after a couple of falls at Cheltenham last spring and a lack-lustre belated reappearance at Punchestown last month. She travelled with something like her old zest and, after pulling clear along with Alexander Taipan from five out, was visibly going the better of the pair. The Charles Byrnes-trained mare pecked on landing in front two out and an awkward jump at the last made life slightly more difficult than it should have been.

Byrnes reported that his mare only showed signs of 'coming right' in the last three weeks and, while she is entered for the Irish National, he's not sure that she will stay. Taking advantage of her handicap mark over hurdles (130), which is 10lb below her chase mark, is also being considered.

ALEXANDER TAIPAN, reverting to fences for the first time this year, put up a creditable display also. Ruby Walsh set sail for home from five out but, obviously playing second fiddle to the mare from some way out, still stuck to his task well and would appreciate a greater test of stamina than this two and a quarter miles.

CONNA CASTLE never threatened the leading pair but kept on nicely from three out without being given a hard time on the run-in on his first outing for five months. A very experienced novice, he is one to keep in mind for the upcoming big Festival prizes such as the Powers Gold Cup.

THE RAILWAY MAN weakened before the straight and rider David Casey later reported that he travelled well until four out but was lifeless entering the straight due to the holding ground.