Maciver clings on to land hat-trick Maciver just clung on from Spellacy’s Cross to land the spoils after a cracking finish in the Clonmel Handicap Chase. Cian Quirke settled behind the leaders on the 4/1 favourite before sneaking up the inner to challenge at the second last. Arthur O’Grady’s charge had a narrow advantage over Spellacy’s Cross at the final fence and that rival pushed hard on the run-in, just failing by a short-head at the line. It was a hat-trick of successes for Maciver, who had won over fences at Tramore on New Year’s Day before adding a hurdle win at Limerick later in the month. "that was brilliant and to win by a short-head was great. He got a lovely ride from Cian, who followed instructions to a tee,” said O’Grady/. "He'll go for a chase next on March 13th at Limerick." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
