Rayhani leads over the last from eventual winner Pires © Photo Healy Racing
After earlier getting into trouble with the Stewards (handed a two day ban for hitting his mount El Gran Torino when he was out of contention in the first) Martin Mooney had better fortune in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase as he partnered the Tony Martin trained Pires (11/4) to victory.
The James Nash trained Rayhani (11/2) attempted to make all under Cathal Landers and he kicked on before the last going a few lengths clear. However he tied up on the run-in as Pires found another gear going on to score by three lengths.
Rayhani kept going to take second with Alderfield a further three and a quarter lengths back in third for Seamus Braddish and Aine O’Connor at 25/1 while the 11/8 favourite On My Own was a further four and half lengths back in fourth.
The winning 10yo son of Generous was recording his first success over fences on just his third start over them.
Winning rider Martin Mooney said afterwards: "Tony (Martin) had him in good form and he jumped well.
"He can be a little bit tricky at times but after I gave him a little push he won well in the end." (DM & TW)
