Capture The Drama (Eoin Mahon) heads for success from Maighnealta (Sean Flanagan, nearside)© Photo Healy Racing
Capture The Drama (12/1) was a well-named winner of the Club Stand Restaurant Handicap Chase at Clonmel for trainer Aengus King and rider Eoin Mahon.
A fourth winner in the plate for Mahon, Capture The Drama was always up there, and he was left in front when Peacocks Secret (5/2 2nd favourite) fell heavily at the seventh.
Then going to two out the struggling favourite Lacken Bridge (6/4) ran out.
From the last Capture The Drama, now a 9-time winner, saw off Maighnealta by three and a quarter lengths.
"The ground was a bit fast for him the last day and he ran out of steam. To be honest today's race was a weak enough one and he got his own way, that was the biggest thing. He is that type of horse that he likes to get things his own way and dictate the pace," said King.
"He is a lovely horse to have and is unbelievably sound. His best ground is probably just before it gets heavy."
The Stewards enquired into an incident rounding the bend past the stands involving Milanesque ridden by J.B. Kane and Burning Issues ridden by A. Ring, where it appeared Milanesque ran short of room.
Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the incident was accidental and took no further action.
The Stewards requested a report from Aengus King, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Capture The Drama, placed first, as compared with its recent form.
The trainer reported that his charge appeared to appreciate the trip and ground and felt this had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form in what he felt was a moderate race.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
R.A. Doyle, rider of Lacken Bridge trained by Colin Bowe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran out at the second last for no apparent reason.
(TW & EM)
