Illtakeitfromhere, near side, is locked together with Knockraha Prince© Photo Healy Racing
There was carnage at the eighth fence in the extended three mile one beginners' chase at Wexford as Midnight Molly fell and brought down the 10/3 favourite Old Castletown and All The Way Home Via Del Corso was hampered and unseated his rider at that fence. Illtakeitfromhere jumped well and made the best way home to land the prize.
He raced in mid-division under Luke Dempsey before improving to track the leaders in fourth at the fourth last fence. On the run to the second last the race boiled down to Knockraha Prince on the inside, The Mooch in the middle and Illtakeitfromhere on the outside.
Luke Dempsey went for his whip on Illtakeitfromhere before the second last and he jumped it on terms with Knockraha Prince.
Illtakeitfromhere took over before the last and was ridden out to score by four and three quarter lengths at 9/1. Knockraha Prince came in second also at 9/1 while Close Review took third at 7/1.
Trainer Paul Nolan said: "I was looking around to see who would come and beat my two as they were approaching the straight! I was disappointed with The Mooch who probably just didn't stay. I know he was carrying top weight but that's what it looked like.
"The winner misbehaved himself a bit and he was very free the last day at Downpatrick. He was subsequently dropped a few pounds and it gave him a chance today. A few of the fancied ones came down and that gave us a better chance. Philip Byrne owns him and he is from Dublin. He owns the oldest bar in Ireland, Sean's Bar in Athlone."
The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter,Mr.P.F.Graffin, that L.P. Dempsey, rider of Illtakeitfromhere contributed to the false start. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 208, in that he anticipated the start and disobeyed the starters instructions and having considered his record, suspended him for three race days.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
