Summer Tide recorded a second career success when landing Cork Beginners Chase. © Photo Healy Racing
Although a trio of horses were sent off at under 3/1 for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Cork, it was one of the outsiders, the Charles Byrnes trained Summer Tide who landed the contest in impressive fashion.
Having his fourth start over fences, the 18/1 outsider, jumped and travelled nicely before seeing off race favourite Now Is The Hour by a length-and-three-quarters.
A winner over 2m4f earlier in his career, the nine-year-old would have been expected to find this trip on the short side but if anything, he appeared to relish it.
Travelling easily into the straight, he headed Now Is The Hour at the third last and his superior jumping proved the difference in the latter stages of the race as he was held together by jockey Philip Byrnes.
Trainer Charles Byrnes said: "It was a bit of a surprise as I didn't think he was up to that as there were a few fair horses in it but I'm delighted for the young fella after getting a fall in the previous race.
"He had a good run behind Desertmore House in a beginners' chase last year at Kilbeggan and the (heavy) ground made up for today's lesser distance.
"We were struggling to win a race so I'm delighted to win. A win is a win and his mark over hurdles might now be more favourable after that."
He added "there was a chance Maidenstreetprince would have finished second (to Sir Gerhard and he is ok after his fall."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
