The Wexford racer and owner Seamus Neville defeated fellow County resident J. J. Slevin in the Tote Killarney National Handicap Chase, which was the second-to-last race of the day at the Kerry racecourse. For his ties in the southeast, Brideswell Lad took the necessary action. There was a ten-minute delay in the off-time because True Faith had to be reshod before the race.
Regretfully, for those connected to the long-gone True Faith, he suffered a severe fall at the second last with a circuit remaining. Rachael Blackmore getting up after her horrifying-looking spill was a relief.
In terms of business, Stealthy Tom was defeated by Brideswell Lad (20/1) by a length and three parts. They left favourite Midnight Our Fred four and three parts of a length back in third.
"That was lovely and staying is his game. He has a staying pedigree and two-and-a-half miles was too tight for him the last day," said Neville. "He travelled well throughout, J.J. was very pleased with him and gave him a brilliant ride. That was nice to get at the start of the new season but it might be the end for him for a while. He has been on the go a while so might get a break and the Kerry National would be in mind."