CAPTAIN Guinness got back on track for the season in some style with an exuberant and bold jumping display in the Gain Supporting Laois GAA Beginners Chase over two miles.

Henry de Bromhead’s high class novice hurdler pulled up on his chasing debut at Tipperary almost two months ago when suffering from a heart problem but he banished that to the distant past with a display that contained all his customary verve.

The Declan Landy-owned gelding was returned the 4/5 favourite for this contest and from early on he looked to be on excellent terms with himself.

He was keen to get on with things under Rachael Blackmore and set a brisk tempo and jumped boldly which meant that the field was well strong out from early on. Midnight Run was the only rival who was able to mount a telling challenge but Captain Guinness readily dealt with his effort in between the last two fences and he went on to score by just under five lengths. There was a gap of some 28 lengths back to the third placed Jungle Junction.

“He jumped really well and Rachael was really happy with him and said he took a blow turning in so hopefully he will come on for it and hopefully we can keep his heart right,” said de Bromhead.

“I think Christmas is going to come up a little soon for him and we might instead wait for a novice chase at Naas in January and, all going well, maybe head on to the Irish Arkle.”

Best form

Sean O’Brien got back amongst the winners for the first time since January 2019 as R’evelyn Pleasure recaptured some of his best form in the two-and-a-half miles handicap hurdle.

The Mark McDonagh-owned gelding showed signs of coming back to himself at Thurles last month and took a further step forward in first time cheek-pieces.

Crucially Donagh Meyler’s mount produced a much better jump at the final flight than the pressing Sargent Lightfoot and this enabled the 10/1 shot to carry the day by just under two lengths.

“It seems strange for an eight-year-old but we learnt a bit about him the last day and myself and Donagh thought that cheek-pieces would help him,” stated O’Brien.

“He could head to Leopardstown over Christmas or else come back here at the end of the month. I’m delighted for Mark who is a great supporter and it’s a pity for young Mark that he couldn’t ride him as he has done plenty of work with him too.”

ARVERNE, who showed up well in a staying handicap at this track a couple of months ago, improved on that second place finish to take the handicap chase over just short of three-and-a-quarter-miles.

The J.P. McManus-owned 6/4 favourite was travelling notably well for Mark Walsh entering the last half mile and he looked to have the race firmly under control when he moved on between the last two fences.

Gavin Cromwell’s charge wasn’t all that fluent at the last but got home by a length and a quarter from Atlantic Shore and possibly had a bit more to spare than the winning margin might suggest.

The McManus colours were also carried to victory by Fighting Fit in the 80-95 rated handicap hurdle over the minimum trip. Luke Dempsey was on board this Kayf Tara five-year-old, who is trained by his father Philip, and the pair won this race with a considerable amount to spare.

In a first time tongue, tie, 9/2 chance swept by Marino Marvel before the last flight for a seven and a half lengths success and he could well be placed to advantage over the coming weeks.

HES A Hardy Bloke (100/30), who was third to Ballyadam on his jumping debut at Down Royal, took advantage of an appreciably easier assignment in the maiden hurdle over two miles.

A fall at Tramore the previous afternoon meant that Sean Flanagan missed this winner with the mount instead going to Jonathan Moore who took his time as the market leaders Captain Kangaroo and Envious Editor did battle up front.

On the run to the last, Envious Editor subdued the odds-on Captain Kangaroo but poised in behind was Hes A Hardy Bloke who recovered very quickly from a mistake at the final flight to sweep by Envious Editor and pull four lengths clear. The winner carries the colours of the Hammer & Trowel Syndicate which were carried with such distinction by Quevega.

“We had to hobday him after his first run last March when he pulled up at Leopardstown but he handled that ground and this was probably an easier race than the one he contested last time. He’ll probably head for a rated novice hurdle next,” reported Noel Meade who was making it 35 winners for the season.

Banger breakthrough

The card concluded with a very well deserved and equally hard fought success for The Banger Doyle (4/1 in the Old House Kill (Pro/Am) Flat Race. In the colours of former trainer John Nicholson, this gelding had been placed on all four of his starts and had the misfortune to come up against the likes of Ballyadam, Sir Gerhard and Hollow Games in those runs. This time though, Keith Watson’s charge got his turn under Finny Maguire who pinched a few lengths over the field at the start.

The 15/8 joint favourite Aslukwoodhavit threw down a strong challenge and headed the winner inside the last furlong but The Banger Doyle rallied splendidly to carry the day by half a length. The front two did come close together but a stewards enquiry left the placings unchanged.

“He deserved that and he’s run in five bumpers now so he deserves a break. We won’t be in any rush and give him some time to fill into himself,” reported trainer Keith Watson.