The grey Silver Planeur jumps the last in second with Open To The World leading© Photo Healy Racing
After winning the second on The Game Changer Chris Meehan completed the first double of his career (which came in at 74/1), as he guided Silver Planeur to victory in the Low Low Irish EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle.
The Eric McNamara trained grey had failed to make a telling impact in eighth starts before today, but she did hint at ability on her last few outings at Tipperary, Cork and Ballinrobe respectively.
Available at 16/1 this morning, the grey daughter of Malinas eventually went off a 14/1 chance in the colours of the Rathkeale House Syndicate.
Settled in mid-division on the outer, she took closer order from three out, and was ridden to challenge after the next.
She got to the front on the run-in and kept on well under pressure from there to score by half a length from Open To The World (12/1) and Barry John Foley in second.
The 11/2 favourite Queen Khaleesi was a length back in third for Adam Short and Patrick Neville, while the well-backed Una's Pleasure (12s to 15/2 on-course) was a further three and a quarter lengths away in fourth under Ambrose McCurtin for John Joe Walsh.
McNamara said afterwards: "It was great to win for the lads who are all local lads in Rathkeale and the plan was always here, if possible.
"She has been running consistently and I have to say Chris gave her an absolutely fantastic ride.
"He did exactly as he was told and I thought he was particularly good on her - hats off to him. I didn't even know what he looked like, but Gordon (Elliott, Meehan's employer) told me he was good and I was looking for a 7lbs claimer as once the ground went heavy I was anxious to claim off her.
"She stays well and will be entered for here on Saturday - it's a 0-102 over the same distance."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Open To The World trained by C.Roche was found to have grazed a left hind hock on post race examination.
The Stewards interviewed B.J. Foley, rider of Open To The World, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Reg. 10. 3. (g) (arm above shoulder) and (f) frequency and having taken his record into account suspended him for three race days and ordered that he attend RACE for one day's tuition in the correct use of the whip.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
