In a gripping finish at Limerick's Parade Ring Bar Novice Handicap Chase, Darragh O'Keeffe clinched an impressive win aboard the 16/1 outsider Hurricane Cliff, securing a double for trainer Henry de Bromhead.
Raglan Road, guided by Rachael Blackmore, claimed victory in Naas for the Waterford stables. Late exits in the extended two-mile race at the Munster track worked in Hurricane Cliff's favour.
The top contenders MacDermott and Dundaniel were neck and neck until MacDermott's unfortunate fall, bringing down Dundaniel at the penultimate obstacle. Hurricane Cliff surged ahead of Wee Charlie at the final hurdle, with Wee Charlie's tumble leaving the de Bromhead charge with a comfortable thirteen-length lead over The Gradual Slope at the finish line.
O'Keeffe commented,
"I felt he had a decent chance. After a break from racing, he put up a solid performance at Down Royal. This being his debut in a handicap chase, his previous form on similar ground gave me confidence."
Reflecting on the race, he added,
"There was quite a bit of chaos at the second-last fence. While I noticed MacDermott's exit, I wasn't aware of the other incidents. Despite my horse getting distracted in the lead, he tackled the final jump well, and I'm thrilled to secure a victory before the upcoming week. Henry's horses are in top form, and the team is doing a commendable job."
The Raceday Stewards examined the falls involving MacDermott (FR) ridden by D.E. Mullins and Dundaniel ridden by D. King at the second last fence, where it seemed that contact occurred mid-air, leading to the falls. After reviewing the race footage, the Stewards concluded that no further action was necessary.