'Dream' horse Lord Erskine lands another big pot The evergreen Lord Erskine landed yet another big pot, as he beat his younger rivals in the feature RYBO Handicap Hurdle. An incredible servant to connections, the now 12-year-old has scooped some valuable prizes throughout his career, showing his versatility by winning both on the level and over flights. Without a win since his shock 40/1 triumph at last year's Dublin Racing Festival, the Harry Rogers-trained bay was sent off a 22/1 chance (from 40s early) this afternoon. Settled behind the pacesetters by Darragh O'Keeffe and third halfway, he improved into a share of the lead before two out. While not fluent over the last, he ultimately outstayed Helvic Dream on the run-in, with half-a-length between them at the line. The runner-up, who is a Group 1 winner on the level, was also returned at 22/1, while Serienmond (11/2) finished strongly to take third, another length and three quarters back. A career best effort from American Money (18/1) saw him finish fourth, while 10/3 favourite Kalix Delabarriere surprisingly trailed home in last. "Miracles do happen, but they don't usually happen in Fairyhouse for me!" Rogers, who also won on Sunday with 33/1 chance Grann's Boy, reflected. "Unbelievable, no (never had a horse like him) - he eats, sleeps and runs, and that is all he does. He doesn't see any vets, nothing. He's a dream. "You'd think he would be getting slower, but I thought they weren't going fast enough there today and I was worried about the ground. "Darragh was very good, he's very clued into it. He didn't get to the front too soon because he would pull up in front. "He's a great horse to have. He's like his owner (the late Jerry Nolan) who was a pure gent. He died a month after Mary (Rogers, wife). I rode winners for him. "I didn't believe he would ever win another race. "He might end up in Punchestown, we'll see. He might go to Killarney for something on the Flat if he is still enjoying it. "I have five or six good owners and only for them I wouldn't be doing it. Only for my wife, I wouldn't have kept at it." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Raceday Stewards received a report from Ms. J. Taylor, Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that Joyeuse (FR), trained by Nicky Henderson (in GB), could be positively identified but there were discrepancies in the markings as recorded in the Passport. Having considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards allowed the animal to run in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(v) and informed the trainer through his Authorised Representative that he had (30) days to update the Passport in accordance with the rule. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kalix Delabarriere (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Raceday Stewards requested a report from H.Rogers, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Lord Erskine, placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Naas on the 9th of March. H. Rogers reported that his charge ran too free on his previous start at Naas and that todays stronger pace may have contributed to the improvement in form. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation given. * P. Townend, rider of Kalix Delabarriere (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly. Additional reporting by Michael Graham
