3 minute read
Shantou Flyer made it third time lucky over fences in the Guinness Dublin Porter Beginners Chase at Galway.
Colin Bowe's charge had an encouraging start to his career over fences when runner-up at Limerick in May, but let down favourite backers when pulling up at Down Royal next time.
Having bounced back with a decent effort to finish third over hurdles at Tipperary a week and a half ago, he was an 11-4 chance for the opener on day four of the Festival and was always moving well in the hands of Davy Russell.
Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh, who won the opening race on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, teamed up once more with 2-1 favourite As De Ferbet, but although he put up a bold effort from the front, he could not shake off Shantou Flyer, who won the argument by two and a quarter lengths.
Bowe said: "His hurdles form was very good and he was only touched off in a Grade Two.
"I was worried that he might be a bit novicey, but Davy was very good on him and today was the plan. We'll look for a winners' race next.
"He has run some big races but that's only his second win."
The Galway Plate-winning combination of Henry de Bromhead and Jonathan Burke were on the mark again as Sizing Platinum struck gold in the Guinness Harp Novice Chase.
De Bromhead and Burke enjoyed Plate glory with Shanahan's Turn on Wednesday and Sizing Platinum was a 3-1 shot for his Ballybrit assignment in the same colours of Alan and Ann Potts.
Ridden prominently from the outset, Sizing Platinum was strongly pressed by 9-1 favourite Rock The World running down the hill, but De Bromhead's charge would not be denied, galloping on for a three-and-three-quarter-length verdict.
De Bromhead said: "That was a good performance and it was a confident young man's ride as he was throwing him at fences.
"He jumped so well, but every time he got in front the mare (Shesaportrait) came to him and it didn't help him.
"Dropping back to two miles might suit him more than stepping up and his options are the Kilbegnet Chase at Roscommon and maybe running at Listowel or here at the end of September in between."
