Dubai Devils and Noel McParlan © Photo Healy Racing
Dubai Devils ran out a convincing winner of the Ireland V Britain (QR) Handicap Chase under northern rider Noel McParlan.
Paul Stafford 's charge was produced to lead going to the second last in the extended two-mile seven-furlong contest and soon had matters in hand.
The Dubai Destination gelding ran on strongly on the run-in to post a convincing seven length success over Witness Of Fashion
The 10/1 winner (backed from 33/1 in the morning) had actually made his debut over fences in a handicap chase in Hexham last November and was making his return to handicap company today having been well held in novice events in Ireland on his last three outings.
Stafford said:- “I thought he might have needed this run. I’ve been minding him ground wise. I walked the track on Monday and I was happy enough to run him.
“He does want an ease and I wouldn’t have run him on anything quicker. He’d a little bit of leg trouble last year and the owner has been very patient. Thankfully it has paid off.
“He was second six times over hurdles. He’s consistent but fences was always going to be the job for him. He’s a fine big horse so hopefully he can go on and win another couple.”
Only the top eight horses counted for the Ireland versus Britain challenge and the visitors were declared the winners with the Tabitha Worsley ridden Kayf Thou first home of the qualified runners in third place.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
