Tipperary Racing Scene

The Listed Race And Stay Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle on Bank Holiday Monday delivered a thrilling finish with Saint Le Fort climbing back up from off the canvas to deny Savante in the final strides.

Carrick-on-Suir trainer Philip Fenton saddled the winner with conditional jockey Niall Moore from Urard on the Tipperary side of Urlingford enjoying the biggest success of his career to date.

Saint Le Fort was always prominent in the run but was headed on the turn for home by the eventual runner-up. It looked as though Saint Le Fort was destined for second place, but as Savante’s stride shortened on the heavy ground after the last hurdle, Saint Le Fort was able to keep on for a head margin at the line.

“I thought going to the last that his horse was coming back to me and if I got a nice stride, then I had a chance. It’s amazing to have a winner on a day like this and it’s all thanks for Philip for having faith in me,” Moore said.

A field of 21 went to post but only eight finished the three-mile contest in very testing conditions.

The winners keep flowing for Cloughjordan trainer Denis Hogan, the latest being Tatateo in two-mile handicap at Dundalk last Friday evening.

Just days after his success at the Dublin Racing Festival with Cousin Kate, Hogan could enjoy how this latest win unfolded.

A month after landing a novice hurdle at Cork, Tatateo scored on the bridle, cantering all over his rivals approaching the furlong marker and eased to a three-lengths success by Joey Sheridan in the saddle.

“He enjoys the surface and winning here open more options for him. He is turning out to be a nice fun horse for his owners,” the jockey said.

Trainer Andy Slattery easily won the concluding 12f handicap at Dundalk on Friday with Drucker, a 4-1 chance.

Drucker improved from midfield to be vying for the lead and travelling the best on the turn for home. Sam Coen, nephew of the trainer, kept up the momentum to record a four-length victory.

The winning owner is Pat Garvey, a longtime supporter of the Killenaule trainer. For Coen, the result was a landmark as it reduced his claim to 5lbs.

The Grade 2 Ten Up Novice Chase at Navan on Sunday represented a big test for Oscars Brother, trained by Connor King, and it was one passed with flying colours.

Carrying the JP McManus colours for the first time, Oscars Brother made all to win by six lengths at odds of 6-4 favourite in the hands of the trainer’s brother Daniel.

Options are now open towards the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novice Chase over three miles at Cheltenham next month or even the Grand National at Aintree. Either way, this is a really good horse and a credit to the King family especially who bought him for €8,000 as a store in 2021.

“He’s a class jumper. He handles any ground but likes it slow. He jumps from fence to fence, always looking for the next one. Stepping him up to three miles is key and I am delighted for Mr McManus,” jockey Daniel said.

The trainer Connor, based in Golden, added: “Things are going well with him. He made all there today, but he would like a bit of company, I would say. If he had a lead, it would help him.

“Today was a big day. He has won another Grade 2 and I am pinching myself having someone like JP McManus as an owner. My Dad did a lot of work with him when he was a young horse. We have always liked him, but he is doing it on the track where it matters now.”

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Dundalk – Wednesday, February 11th (first race 1.38pm)

Clonmel – Thursday, February 12th (first race 1.15pm)

Dundalk – Friday, February 13th (first race 4.28pm)

Gowran – Saturday, February 14th (first race 1.20pm)

Punchestown – Sunday, February 15th (first race 2.00pm)