Dark Note gets up late to deny Caesar Rock in finale The Andy Slattery trained Dark Note recorded a first win over fences when getting up close home to beat Caesar Rock in the Packie Downey Memorial Rated Novice Chase at Tipperary. A dual Flat winner, who also scored over hurdles, the six-year-old was completing the full set here. Caesar Rock, a 21-race maiden over fences, was sent straight to the front by Darragh O'Keeffe. Jumping well in the main, the Mouse Morris trained nine-year-old had seen off al bar Dark Note entering the home straight with two to jump. A better jump at the second last looked to have sealed a breakthrough win for the gelding but Cian Quirke conjured up a strong late run from Dark Note to lead inside the final 100 yards for a one-and-a-quarter length win. Brian Slattery, brother and assistant trainer said: “He’s a great auld servant and has won now on the Flat, over hurdles and fences. He gives the boys (For The Good Times Syndicate) a good day out every day he runs. “You can be sure he’ll be in Killarney and Galway and will keep mixing it. “Cian was very happy with him today and thought the extra trip was a big plus to him which will open up a few more options. He was slower than the other horse at the last but had the Flat speed to quicken up well.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
