Mica battles gamely to land Connacht National under O'Dwyer One of four JP McManus representatives in the 15 strong field for the Tote Connacht National Handicap Chase, Mica Malpic kept on best to land this feature contest under Charlie O'Dwyer. Returning from a lengthy layoff over a much shorter trip at Tipperary last month, the Enda Bolger-trained eight-year-old finished down the field on that occasion. Sent off a 9/1 chance this evening (touched 22/1 early), the French bred chestnut raced in mid-division under O'Dwyer, taking closer order from five out. Ridden from the third last and briefly appearing held from the next, he ultimately found plenty for pressure and fought his way to the front on the run-in, coming home a length-and-a-quarter to the good. Getting to the front before three out and looking the most likely winner, Ambitious Fellow (25/1) had to settle for second under Ben Harvey for Peter Fahey, while Fairyhill Run (16/1) was another eight-lengths away in third. Returned the 5/1 favourite, Beggars Rock finished a well-beaten seventh. "It's a nice race to win. We won it with Stealthy Tom two years ago as well," Bolger reflected. "He got a great ride from Charlie. His jumping has been a bit in and out and I think the rain helped him, it made the ground a bit easier for him. "He's a good staying horse. "He got a touch of a leg at Punchestown in November 2023. Patience paid off and he got a lovely ride from the jockey. "We'll follow these races around for the summer now." STEWARDS REPORT * G. Brouder, rider of Arrycan, trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran very free. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
