Dounikos (left), as Al Boum Photo falls© Photo Healy Racing
There was drama in the closing stages to the featured Grade 2 McMahons Builders Novice Chase at Limerick today as jockey Andrew Ring recorded a breakthrough winner on the Gordon Elliott trained Dounikos Tout Est Permis was beaten in fourth when falling heavily at the second last fence and then approaching the final obstacle, both Dounikos and 1/2 favourite Al Boum Photo raced towards the fence together.
The 'jolly' Al Boum Photo appeared to be travelling much the better of the pair, and was matched at 1.04 in-running on Betfair, but clipped the top of the fence and fell on landing.
In contrast, Dounikos was pushed along and appeared under pressure approaching the last fence but, to his credit, flew the fence and was left in front and to record a four and a half lengths win over Tombstone
Elliott was at Leopardstown and afterwards Ring was adamant he would have won, saying "I had the other horse (Al Boum Photo) covered going down to the last; I was flying and he was such a good leaper, he gains two or three lengths at every fence.
"He's an outsider but when you're riding for Gordon that doesn't really matter. He jumped and travelled like a winner everywhere and quickened down to the second last and the last and had plenty left.
"That's my biggest winner; I previously won a few big handicap hurdles but that is my first Graded win.
"That's my second winner for Gordon and I ride out once a week. I've been riding out for the last six months and said I may as well join the queue!"
