Favourite backers have Walsh to thank as Goraibhmaithagat wins finale Punters that followed the money in the closing race on the card will have been raising their glasses to jockey Mark Walsh, as market leader Goraibhmaithagat overcame a sketchy round of jumping to take the Listed William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase. Sent off 7/2f in the J.P. McManus silks, the Colm Murphy trained gelding had been expected to build on a promising third on his handicap debut over course and distance last month. However, on this occasion, the six-year-old was far from fluent at a number of his fences, requiring a masterful ride from Walsh to keep him in contention. Moving third after jumping the penultimate obstacle, the gelding showed a willing attitude from the back of the last, eventually getting on top close home to beat Magic McColgan by half-a-length. “He got the job done. He made a few silly mistakes on the way but he was tough,” said Frank Berry. “He handled the ground well and got a good ride so we’re very happy. “He finished off well the last day. It was a bit more competitive today and experience found him out a little bit. “He was tough and put down his head. He had to fight and he did. “Today was the plan and we’ll see where he goes from here. He handles that ground well and that’s a big thing for him.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
