Grey Pat Coyne jumps the last in unison with Smitty Bacall, left© Photo Healy Racing
Pat Coyne surged home after the last to win the extended two mile five handicap chase at Tramore in the hands of Jody McGarvey.
You couldn't have called him an obvious winner when pushed along in sixth behind a wall of five horses on the downhill run to the second-last fence.
McGarvey switched him out and he jumped it in fifth. The eight-year-old grey gelding was ridden to get on terms at the last and availed of Smitty Bacall jumping slightly left inconveniencing both Centurion Steel and Balinaboola Steel
Pat Coyne, the 3/1 favourite, ran on strongly, though, and moved clear of his rivals close home to win by four lengths. Centurion Steel (6/1) grabbed second by a head from Smitty Bacall (10/3).
"It's great to have a winner at my local track. He missed one down the back and it put him on the back foot a bit but he jumped the last well when he needed him, " trainer John Queally said.
Owner John Nicholson added: "We've got such enjoyment out of this horse. Every day he goes out he runs his heart out and earns out a few quid.
"We had this race mapped out for a long time. He won here this time last year, he loves these little tracks. He is far better over fences than he is over hurdles.
"I bought him over in Galway after seeing a little small ad in the Irish Field. I saw him on a Saturday with no vet and bought him. I went back and collected him the next day and brought him home.
"I do miss training on days like this."
Pat Coyne won a beginners' chase at this festival last year.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
