Stand Off, near side, gets to grips with Stansfield at the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
Stand Off made a winning start over fences in the rated novice chase at Fairyhouse.
He raced towards rear and was asked for his effort after the third last. The Milan gelding improved to third rounding the home turn and had his sights firmly fixed on Stansfield and Highstreet Roller at the next fence.
He motored into contention behind Stansfield approaching the final fence and jumped it on terms. The six-year-old gelding touched down in front and came in by a comfortable two and a quarter lengths in the hands of Mark Walsh at 3/1.
Stansfield picked up the runner-up prize at 12/1 and was seven lengths clear of Highstreet Roller (9/2).
Trainer Philip Fenton said: “He always seemed like a horse that would make a better chaser than hurdler.
“He's taken to jumping fences well so let's hope he progresses without aiming too high.
“You'd be hoping that eventually he might develop into a three mile chaser. We might go up in trip to two-and-a-half miles the next day.”
Stand Off won twice over hurdles at Clonmel and at this venue.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
