Youth prevails in Wexford handicap chase
A five-year-old gelding took the concluding handicap chase at Wexford on Sunday, reversing recent Tramore form to deny the 13-year-old seeking a hat-trick.
Front-running move settles contest
Thewaybackhome, partnered by John Shinnick and raced in the colours of the Rebel Deise Syndicate, moved to the front after the third-last fence and drew clear on the run-in to score by three and a half lengths. The winner had started favourite on the day.
Fr Gilligansvoyge, the rejuvenated veteran who had been bidding for a third straight success, ran on gallantly but was unable to match the younger rival’s finishing surge.
Trainer reflects on switch to fences
Trainer Terence O’Brien said the gelding had been struggling over hurdles and the switch to chasing had been beneficial. He indicated the horse had been losing ground when hurdling but had shown improved jumping at home and in his previous chase outing at Tramore, where trouble at the start left him at a disadvantage.
O’Brien described the winner as a workmanlike type rather than a top-class performer, noting that at five years old he still has potential for development and could contest another race or two before the campaign concludes. He added that Listowel might be a target should an appropriate race be found, and that the horse should be one to follow next season if jumping continues to improve.
What the result means
- The victory underlined the benefits of switching horses from hurdles to fences when their jumping is a limiting factor over smaller obstacles.
- The race highlighted the ongoing competitiveness of veteran chasers; a 13-year-old remained in contention and completed a solid run despite being beaten by a younger rival.
- Connections have suggested the winner will be campaigned further over fences and may be aimed at summer festival opportunities if suitable entries are available.
The contest served as a reminder of how changing discipline and careful placement can revive a horse’s season, and of the role smaller provincial meetings play in preparing horses for larger festival targets through the summer and autumn.
Further details on entries and targets from the trainer will emerge in the coming weeks as plans for the remainder of the season and the next are finalised.
