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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

Beaufeu lands big pot on his first handicap start over fences

Sat 1st Feb 2020, 15:01

Eclair De Beaufeu (left) leads as Goulane Chosen and Paloma Blue collideEclair De Beaufeu (left) leads as Goulane Chosen and Paloma Blue collide
© Photo Healy Racing

There were five in a line going to the final fence as the Matheson Handicap Chase at Leopardstown served up a thrilling finish.

It was Eclair De Beaufeu who emerged in front after the last as Goulane Chosen and Paloma Blue collided in the air.

Sean O'Keeffe drove his mount a couple of lengths clear on the run-in and he galloped on strongly in the closing stages to land the €100,000 contest for Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown.

There were two-and-a-half lengths back to Paloma Blue who held the staying on Charlie Stout by a neck to secure the runner-up spot.

The 8/1 winner was making his handicap debut over fences this afternoon having finished third in Grade 3 company at Navan on his last outing.

Elliott said:- “It’s great to get a winner. I knew today was going to be a tough day - we had a few each-way chances.

“He tried Graded company and wasn’t good enough so it’s nice to win a good handicap.

“I’d also like to say a big well done to Olly Murphy who trained his first Grade 1 winner today with Itchy Feet at Sandown. We’re still good friends and I’ll give him a ring later.”

The winner was introduced at 16/1 by Betfair for the Grand Annual.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.