Darasso and Barry Geraghty win from Cadmium © Photo Healy Racing
Darasso kicked into gear in the closing stages to land the Toals.com Webster Cup Chase at Navan this afternoon.
The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding was heavily supported from 15/8 this morning into an even-money shot as he tackled Irish fences for the first time.
Barry Geraghty held his mount up in the two-miler and he took a bit of time to warm to his task.
The French-bred was pushed along in third before the straight and Geraghty had to get serious two from home as Cadmium travelled sweetly in the lead.
Darasso picked up well to lead going to the last, however, and kept on strongly on the run-in to secure a two-and-a-quarter length success in the Grade 2 feature.
The winner had won twice over fences in his native land and had been impressive when taking the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran on his last outing.
Geraghty said afterwards:- “There’s no doubt he’s a good horse but he was also facing horses that didn’t go (to Cheltenham) last week, not meaning to be disrespectful - but horses of a level.
“He’s a nice type but the ground probably suited us better than the second horse. He has a bit to work on with his jumping but it’s his first run over our fences.
“He was at his best at the finish and it was the same at Gowran.”
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
