Owl sidesteps swan to land incident-packed race with shades of Foinavon

There were shades of Foinavon in the 2m6½f beginners' chase with eight of the 14 runners coming to grief, largely due to loose horses running in every direction.

There is a reason why the majority of low-grade chases are run at the smaller country tracks, and anyone wondering why should have a look at this contest won by Owl Creek Bridge.

We were given a taste of what was to come when favourite Ensel Du Perche headbutted the first and brought down a couple of others for good measure.

However, it was at the seventh fence when things really got interesting as the leading group of four were carried out by two of the loose horses.

How it happened . . .

That left Owl Creek Bridge in the lead with just seven of the 14 starters remaining, and that soon became six when Miss Cedille took a heavy fall four out.

Owl Creek Bridge was the shortest price of the remaining runners, but it is one thing being handed the race on a plate and another being able to take advantage on what was the eight-year-old's chasing debut.

Eric McNamara's runner proved up to the task, however, winning eased down under his son Conor, although he had to avoid a swan in the straight before claiming victory in a remarkable race.

The rider said: "There was plenty of drama going on the whole way and he had to make his own running after nearly half the field were taken out at the one after the stands.

"He jumped electric. He didn't beat a whole pile, but a win is a win."

Owl Creek Bridge avoids a swan on the run for home at Punchestown

'Slow' Shore shines

Philip Fenton enjoyed his best success since renewing his licence when Atlantic Shore landed the 3m1f Amateur National under Eoin O'Brien to leave the trainer eyeing races over more extreme trips for his eight-year-old.

Fenton said: "He’ll probably come back here for the National trial next month. Whether he’s good enough for that is another thing, but he’s a grand horse. He’s a big, slow horse and that ground plays to his strengths.”

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