Valentine gets O'Brien off to winning start under rules My Best Valentine produced a game front-running performance to land the Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park this afternoon, giving trainer Daniel O’Brien his first winner under rules. The Malinas mare was a first runner 'on the track' for the Tallow handler. Stefan Tobin gave the 12/1 shot a positive ride, bouncing out in front in the three-mile-one contest. She was joined by smooth travelling 100/1 shot Step Up Son over the third last but saw off the challenge of that rival going to the last fence, staying on strongly for a six-and-a-half length win. The winner had landed five ‘between the flags’ with her most recent success coming in a mares open at Ballyvodock last month. “She’s a tough, honest mare that loves jumping and loves galloping. That’s the first day that she’s had to battle but she did," said O’Brien “She’s won five point-to-points, and we probably should have come to the track sooner, but she’s had a few little problems. “She’s a soft ground mare and usually makes the running. “She’s the only winner I’ve had in point-to-points and hopefully we’ll get more.” It was Tobin's second winner on the racecourse, to add to nine in points. (Quotes by Alan Magee)
