Better Times Ahead gets up in Porterstown thriller Better Times Ahead and Mark Walsh used every yard of the 3m6f trip in the Listed Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse to get the better of Will Do. Will Do was noted travelling well close up behind the leader Lonesome Boatman five out and he closed on that rival swinging the home bend. He jumped the penultimate fence in unison with the leader and touched down in front for Jack Kennedy. Between the final two fences, Better Times Ahead was under pressure in fourth. On the long run to the last Will Do began to toil, though, as Better Times Ahead determinedly stayed on in second. Better Times Ahead was less than a length in arrears tackling the last and the pair fought out a tremendous finish at the end of this stamina test. It was only close home that Better Times Ahead nosed in front and he rewarded favourite backers by a neck at 3/1 from the plucky 12/1 runner-up. There was a 10-length gap back to third-placed Lonesome Boatman (17/2). Robert Tyner said: "Jumping the last I was confident, but the other horse must have been idle because when he got to him, he picked up again. “It was close when they got to the line. It was great to get a pot like that with him because he’s been a bit fragile. “Ger Kelly has a good bit of work done with him over the years. Touch wood he’s in good order this year and we’ve had no problems with him. “He was hampered at the third-last, the horse fell in front of him, and he was shuffled back a small bit. There was a good strong gallop all the way and it helped.” When asked if he could be aimed at the Irish National he added: “It would be nice to think he could run in it. He’s after winning here twice now so he seems to handle the course anyway.” The Raceday Stewards interviewed M. P. Walsh, rider of Better Times Ahead, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that M. P. Walsh was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g (excessive frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (first offence) the Raceday Stewards suspended M. P. Walsh for two racedays. Paddy Power cut Will Do from 100/1 to 50/1 for the Grand National. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
