Wood is all Heart in Tramore feature Heart Wood ran out a brilliant winner of the feature at Tramore this afternoon, the Grade 3 O'Driscoll's Irish Whiskey New Year's Day Chase. Successful on his return at Punchestown in October and fourth in the John Durkan when last seen, the Robcour-owned eight-year-old was sent off a 2/1 joint-favourite today. Making all, the French-bred son of Choeur Du Nord jumped brilliantly throughout and kicked clear before the penultimate obstacle, ultimately coming home eight-and-a-half lengths to the good. One of four Willie Mullins-trained representatives in the line-up, Ile Atlantique (11/2 from 11s early) filled the runner-up spot under Sean O'Keeffe, while Croke Park (5/1) was a further 15 lengths away in third. With John Shinnick deputising for Paul Townend, Champ Kiely was the other joint-favourite and he finished a disappointing fifth. "That was great. He got a great ride from Darragh and I'm delighted for the Achesons," enthused winning trainer Henry de Bromhead, who was winning this race for the third time in the last four years. "It's a race we love to try and win and it's great to get it. He was tough and jumped brilliantly. Darragh said his jumping was electric, short or long. "I left the tactics up to Darragh. He said if there was pace that he would sit in, and it was just up to whatever he thought. "He's had three runs this season and I'd say he'll miss the Dublin Racing Festival. We'll see though, we'll enjoy today. This was a big plan and it's great to get it. "He was second in the Ryanair last year but I wouldn't say for sure that he'll go there again. We'll get him home and you'd imagine the Ryanair would be the race for him, but I suppose we have to try him over three miles again sometime. "We'll freshen him up now and see. He's had a great season already and we're delighted." O'Keeffe and de Bromhead were completing a double on the day, having earlier claimed the second race with Captain Ryan Matt. STEWARDS REPORT The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Champ Kiely, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
