Mercy making up for lost time Ocean Of Mercy continued to make up for lost time when making a winning chase debut at Kilbeggan tonight. The Paul Hennessy-trained gelding had won a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe, in fine style, last month and went to post a 7/2 shot on his first outing over fences. Niall Prendergast produced his mount to lead going to the last in the two-and-a-half mile beginners and he stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a seven-and-a-half length success. “I’m delighted with him in his first chase, I know it’s a belated one,” said Hennessy. “He was ready to run in a point-to-point back in the day and we didn’t go down that route. “I must say John and Michelle Turner have been very patient with him. He just got one or two little niggles that stopped one season and then stopped another. “Hopefully now he’s making up for it, that was a lovely performance today. “Fair play to him, for his first time over fences to jump like that and Niall gave him a peach. “He’s a very good chap. He doesn’t get many outside rides but he has a great strike rate for us. He does all the work with the horses, to be honest with you, and he’s a great young fella. “You know how tough this game is so it’s nice to see a young person getting a break now and again. It keeps them going. “There is a novice chase in Cheltenham in October and we’re found of that place! “He’s done loads for us now, with the Red Mills race and now this. He’s seems to be a natural at this. “We’re just delighted that he’s sound and in one piece and we’ll enjoy him.”
