Eiri Na Casca and Denis Hogan© Photo Healy Racing
As a trainer and rider Denis Hogan brought up a 31 and a half to one Tipperary double when Eiri Na Casca landed the Tipperary Town Plaza Plate Handicap Chase. Jack The Wire was a well-backed winning favourite earlier for Hogan.
Eiri Na Casca may have went off a 9/1 chance but he certainly didn't go un-supported and he got the better of The Gatechecker by a length.
"That was very similar to my earlier winner: we went hard early, he was slow over the first couple but I was happy enough they were going too hard and on the second circuit they slowed right up," reported Hogan.
"His last four jumps were class - big, bold, scopey jumps and was good and game.
"He'll probably run in the Galway Blazers now.
"I could never figure out why he couldn't win a hurdle race off 90 but he must be an out and out chaser. I won't give up on it though - I might ride him differently and hang on to him over three miles next time."
The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Eiri Na Casca, placed first, as compared with its recent run.
The trainer reported that his charge last ran at Wexford on the 7th July following a break since January.
Early on he jumped high over the first fence which frightened him and he was not fluent afterwards and became detached as the race progressed.
He added that he did not apply cheek pieces the last day but felt that they were a necessity today.
In his opinion his charge jumped with confidence today and the cheek pieces were an added advantage.
Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(TW & EM)
