Healy strikes again with Drive On Jimmey Drive On Jimmey provided owner/trainer Pat Healy with his second success in the space of eight days, as he claimed the John Thomas McNamara Series Maiden Hunters Chase. Without a track win since September of 2002, Ta Se Rua ended a long barren streak for Healy at Tramore this day last week. Andy Burke Ott was aboard Ta Se Rua and he also guided this well-backed eight-year-old to a two and a half length success. A winner at Ballindenisk in December, the Imperial Monarch bay raced in mid-division, moving through the field early on the final circuit. Backed from 25s to 11s, he was fourth from four out and was left in a share of second when 7/4 favourite West Of Carrig fell at the next. Ridden to challenge before the penultimate fence, he edged to the front approaching the last and kept on well from there to beat Manlikemike. Available at 66/1 in early shows, the well-supported runner-up (11/1) looked set to land a gamble when left in front three out, but he ultimately had to settle for minor honours. Returned at 40/1, Sampoet was just a short head away in third, with a further 15-length gap back to the fourth. "That's two winners in a week and before that, it was 22 years! We only ran six or seven horses in that time though," Healy reflected. "Grainne (wife) bred him and he is called 'Jimmy' at home and is named after I'm A Driver, who was the champion two-miler (of 1979-80). I bought his dam at the sales and had another half-brother to her who I rode myself, so it is a family I have a soft spot for. He is a family pet and will be staying hunter chasing. "All the family were small but he is a fine big horse and it is great to get the day out of it. "We have six horses riding out and Evan and Ken Daly give me a great hand. Paul Townend is my nephew so he is my main interest these days." STEWARDS REPORT * Mr B.J. Walsh, rider of Long Road, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped right throughout. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
