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Experience the key as Road To Home lands Beginners' Chase

Road To Home and Brian Hayes Road To Home and Brian Hayes
© Healy Racing Photos

Bet365 Gold Cup third Road To Home made his previous experience in handicap company count as he made virtually all under Brian Hayes to win the BOYLE Sports Shop At Galway Racecourse Beginners Chase at Galway.

Despite drifting from a morning price of 15/8 out to an SP of 9/2, the Willie Mullins trained gelding looked comfortable throughout the contest.

Always travelling and jumping well in front, the seven-year-old asserted coming out of the dip after negotiating the last fence.

Keeping on under hands and heels, Road To Home scored by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

Brian Hayes reported: "He was down in distance on his first run back which was a little concern but he had two great performances last season, especially when finishing second at Cheltenham; he ran the race of his life that day.

"We were hoping he'd progress this year and I think connections are thinking of the Coral Gold Cup in Newbury next.

"He is a proper big chaser, has improved for a fence and we're happy with today anyway."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes).

About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.