Intense Approach proves game under Harvey

On his first track start over fences, Intense Approach battled gamely and led home 15 rivals in the Guinness Beginners Chase.

The winner of a point-to-point when in the care of Warren Ewing, the John McConnell-trained six-year-old disappointingly pulled up when 14/1 for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham.

Given a break since again failing to fire on his most recent start at Perth in April, the Caroline Ahearn-owned chestnut was sent off a well-supported 13/2 chance (from 16s) this evening.

Prominent throughout under Alex Harvey, he wasn't fluent five out and was pushed along in second away from the last.

Ridden to the front on the approach to the straight, he soon had a whole host of challengers close behind, but ultimately fought them all off, coming home three-quarters of a length to the good.

The Ross O'Sullivan pair of Talk In The Park (6/1 from early shows of 50s) and Donnie Devito (25/1) finished second and third respectively, with a head between them at the line.

Drifting from 6/4 to 5/2, but still returned favourite, Jarrive De Mee finished a disappointing sixth under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie.

"That was great. He's a proper good horse and I think he was sick when he ran in the Albert Bartlett," said McConnell.

"We went over with four or five to Cheltenham and most of them came home sick.

"We rushed him back to Perth and he probably wasn't right that day. I was happy enough that he was a lot better than that.

"This has been the target since then. He had a few issues with his jumping over hurdles but when we schooled him over fences we knew he was going to be better.

"It was a good performance, it's probably the best beginners chase I’ve seen in Galway in a long time. Fine, they all finished in a heap but he got the job done.

"His owner is here and I'm delighted.

"I'd say he could end up in Cheltenham in October, on nice ground. We'll give him a nice freshen up after this and decide.

"The fact that he handles two-miles-six around here you could be thinking about next year for the Plate, but that's a long way off.

"This was a plan that we had and it's come off so I’m delighted as they often don't."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards interviewed D.J Gilligan, rider of Talk In The Park, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the whip regulation and apologised for his actions. Evidence was also heard from the IHRB Veterinary Officer along with photographic evidence. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that D.J. Gilligan was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and R.10.3(f)(excessive force). Having considered his record in this regard (second offence under R.10.3(g) and first offence under R.10.3(f), they suspended him for six racedays.

P. Townend, rider of Uncle Pat trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made too many mistakes and made a bad mistake at the last ditch.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson