Con's Roc and Milan Forth testament to strength of hunter chase division

Recent weeks have offered renewed hope around the current strength of the hunter chase division.

Fourteen runners faced the starter at Clonmel on Wednesday for the rearranged Rathronan maiden hunter chase, and it was the biggest field for a race run over fences on an Irish racecourse since the fourth and final day of the Leopardstown Christmas festival on December 29.

The number of opportunities afforded to horses within this division has remained largely consistent across the past decade, which has likely played a significant part in that. Ten years ago, a total of 25 hunter chases were run, and the expectation is this year’s total should fall just one short of that number to highlight that stability.

The relatively compact number of opportunities on offer has kept the programme book tight in this division, producing competitive races. This week’s contest at Clonmel produced an open-looking race with joint-favourites being sent off at starting prices of 5-2.

Last month, a capacity field of 16 runners contested the first maiden hunter chase of the season at Limerick, with that race also featuring three reserves who did not make the final line-up.

At a time when there is a greater focus on field sizes and the importance of competitive races as part of the new media rights agreement for racecourses, hunter chases have certainly not been found wanting in this regard of late.

The races have also been delivering feelgood stories that are not as commonplace as they once were on the racecourse.

After the joyous scenes of celebration following the success of Con’s Roc at Limerick, Wednesday’s race at Clonmel was a tale of family success, shades of which are more commonly confined to the pointing fields these days, as Milan Forth was guided to victory by Kevin Healy in the colours of his grandfather Patrick Whyte.

Bought out of Donnchadh Doyle’s Monbeg stable by bloodstock agent Dan Astbury and point-to-point handler Simon Cavanagh at the Doncaster sales during the summer, the six-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks for his new connections which does not look to have reached its peak yet.

While Con’s Roc could now potentially bring his connections on a trip to the Cheltenham Festival, the team behind Milan Forth have eyes on Aintree, and the dream is very much alive and kicking for both.

Weekend fixtures

Saturday
Turtulla, first race 12.30

Sunday
Ballycrystal, first race 12.30
Carrigarostig, first race 12.30

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