Fruit De Mer makes winning debut over fences Fruit De Mer justified 13/8 favouritism in ready fashion for Watchman Racing when taking the Race And Stay Irish EBF Beginners Chase over two and a half miles at Navan. The Pour Moi gelding has had only six racecourse starts and was placed in two Grade Ones last year while novice hurdling. His second-place finish behind Johnny's Jury in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival reads particularly well. Henry De Bromhead's charge went clear with his main market rival, Classical Creek (2/1), and the pair settled down to do battle. The victor, under Sean Flanagan, fenced impeccably, and his class came to the fore before the last as he edged on under limited pressure to win by eight and a half lengths. Kazansky (15/2) will benefit for more of a cut in the ground in the future, finishing a further 14 lengths behind in third. Basil Holian (Watchman Racing) said: "It is all down to Henry; he found this horse for me. He insisted I buy him - he really liked him having won his point-to-point. "It was a great decision and he looks the part." Henry de Bromhead said: "Really nice. He jumped brilliant and he has always loose schooled really well, and he was very good in his point-to-point. "You always like to see it on the track as well. It was lovely to see how accurate he was. He was a bit lairy at the last, but then he got going again. I think he will come on plenty for the run as well. "I thought Sean was brilliant on him. Obviously, gutted for Darragh (O'Keeffe, injured), but fortunately he is okay. "Delighted for these guys (Basil and Bernie Holian), they are tremendous supporters of ours and the game. We are lucky to have them. "It is nice to have a nice horse." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
