Bryan Cooper rider of Devils Bride© Photo Healy Racing
Devils Bride provided his trainer Willie Mullins with a double on the card (earlier won with Icy Reply as he landed the feature Guinness Handicap Chase.
Having won his first two starts over fences last summer the son of Helissio disappointed when sent off favourite for the Galway Blazers at the Festival in July.
He again disappointed when favourite for a Grade C contest at Killarney on his last start and he was sent off a 10/1 chance today.
Settled in mid-division he was seventh with a circuit to race. He took closer order from three out and was squeezed for room when coming with his challenge after the last.
He came again between horses entering the straight and he soon led when ridden, asserting in the closing stages to win by a length and three parts under Bryan Cooper for Gigginstown House Stud. Fosters Cross (20/1), who was having his 100th start this evening, finished second under David Mullins for his father Tom while Valours Minion (11/2) was a further length and a half back in third under Phillip Enright for Val O'Brien.
Bryan Cooper said afterwards: "He is very ground dependant. For such a big horse he wants very quick ground and it suited him today.
"They went very quick and he jumped very well. I got squeezed up at the back of the last by Ruby but it actually done me a favour as I was going to be there too soon.
"He stuck at it well and there might be another one in him."
STEWARDS REPORTS
R. Walsh, rider of Un Beau Roman (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made several mistakes.
A.P. Crowe, rider of Golden Ticket (AUS), trained by C.Roche, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was struck into in-running and finished lame.
The Stewards requested a report from W.P. Mullins, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Devils Bride, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Mr. P.W. Mullins, representing the trainer, reported that this horse ran quite free at Killarney last time but settled better today. He was also tried in a tongue tie and seemed to return to form. Having considered the report the Stewards noted its contents.
Mrs John Harrington, trainer of Mr Fiftyone reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her charge was found to be coughing post race
