The grey Lake Chad gets up close home © Photo Healy Racing
Lake Chad (7/2) landed the Waterford Chamber Of Commerce Beginners’ Chase for Philip Fenton and Brian Hayes. Leac An Scail Lady and Winding River were up front throughout until the latter crashed out when upsides and still going well two out.
Lake Chad, chasing the leaders at that point, was hampered by the faller as Leac An Scail Lady was left in front again but she was collared close home as the winner saw the trip out well. Mutual Respect also stayed on well after the last to finish a close third. The winning distances were three-parts of a length and half a length.
The winner, who landed a handicap hurdle at Limerick in November, had been touched off on his chasing debut here in April.
“He did well to win considering he was nearly brought down, I thought maybe our chance was slipping away at that point,” said Fenton.
“It was a credit to him the way he finished off the race well. He's had a bit of practice around here before which is a help.
“He's been around here a few times and ran well. He'll maybe get a little break now and come back here for the August meeting.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
