Valdieu and Sean Flanagan© Photo Healy Racing
It was survival of the fittest in the opener at Naas, the Cavan Developments Supporting Kill GAA Handicap Chase, and joint favourite Valdieu toughed it out best to prevail.
In first-time cheek-pieces and beginning in handicap company, Valdieu added a second Naas win to his name after taking his maiden hurdle here in January 2019.
With the likes of Beyond The Law and Velocity Boy in the line-up, there was always likely to be plenty of pace in this two and a half miler.
It took its toll on participants up the straight and after an exciting tussle up the run-in the Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Sean Flanagan-ridden Valdieu prevailed by half a length from Halsafari
Winning trainer Noel Meade was also responsible for third placer, Red Jack who ended up eleven lengths back.
“It's nice to win with him, he's been a disappointing horse,” said Meade.
“He showed us an awful lot as a bumper horse and even early on as a jumper.
“I always thought he’d make a real good chaser. It just shows you what we are running against all the time. You would have always thought a horse rated like him would have won a beginners chase.
“I was glad the line came! I'd say that's his max, he only just barely got home there.
“They went a real gallop the whole way but that probably helped him too because that's the sort of horse he is.
“As the spring goes on maybe he'll improve a bit as he goes on but he'll need to.
“He was a lovely bumper horse and we thought the world of him. Even over hurdles we brought him to Cheltenham last year and though he faded out of it then he ran a good race in a good race for a long way.
“I don't think he's shown any of that this year yet and that's his best run this year.”
The Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Mr. W. Fleming, regarding the failure of B. Browne, rider of Seskin Flyer placed sixth to weigh in after this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he had been instructed in recent times by Clerks of the Scales to check on the television screen associated with the weighing scales if they were required to weigh in.
He did this as requested on returning to the weigh room today and his name was not on the screen, therefore he proceeded directly to the changing rooms without presenting himself at scales.
Mr. W. Fleming, the IHRB Clerk of the Scales explained to the Stewards how the lack of information may have occurred.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that B. Browne was in breach of Rule 227 (i) by failing to present himself to be weighed by the Clerk of the Scales and pursuant to Rule 230 (ii) they disqualified Seskin Flyer.
The Stewards gave B. Browne the benefit of the doubt on this occasion and did not impose any sanction.
The Stewards referred the operation of the weighing in process to the IHRB for further investigation.
The Stewards interviewed S.W. Flanagan, rider of Valdieu (FR), 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 were of the opinion that S. W. Flanagan was in breach of R10(3)(g) by using his whip with excessive frequency.
Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended S.W. Flanagan for 1 raceday.
(GC & EM)
