Power's Pride prevails under Quinlan Charlies Pride improved upon a third place finish on his debut over fences at Tipperary, as he led home 12 rivals in the Strokestown Handicap Chase. A winner over flights at Kilbeggan in August of 2023, the Paul Power-trained six-year-old ran just twice last year, with one of those efforts coming in a charity race. Well-supported from 6s to 7/2 this evening, the Going Global Syndicate-owned bay raced mainly in second under Liam Quinlan, improving to the front from three out. Pressed before the last, he only needed to be pushed out on the run-in to fend off the effort of Inthenickoftime (11/5f), with three-quarters of a length between them at the line. Kevin Sexton was aboard the runner-up for Enda Bolger, while the easy-to-back Prince Of Air (16/1 from 4s early) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third. "We were very happy with him the first day over fences. He was a little bit novicey in the last half mile but seemed to learn plenty from that," Power reflected. "He was good, he was handy away the whole way and never missed a beat. He seems to get the trip better over fences than over hurdles. "I'd imagine we'll look for something similar now." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Aliunde, trained by Mark Michael McNiff, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Raceday Stewards enquired into the closing stages after jumping the last involving Inthenickoftime, ridden by K.C. Sexton, placed second, and Charlies Pride, ridden by L. Quinlan, placed first, where it appeared Inthenickoftime switched to the stand side of Charlies Pride. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. K.E Sexton stated that the winner had crossed him after jumping the last before reaching the rail causing him to switch. L Quinlan stated that he jumped the last straight and maintained his racing line until reaching the rail before going on to win without causing any interference to the runner up. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that Charlies Pride had maintained its racing line without causing interference and therefore took no further action. * K.C. Sexton, rider of Inthenickoftime, trained by E. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount suffered interference after the last. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
