Racing:Glencove Marina showed he is still a force to be reckoned with when turning in an impressive display under Barry Geraghty in the Thurles Chase.
The eight-year-old has had his fair share of injury problems over the past couple of seasons, but victories in Graded company over hurdles and fences, when trained by Willie Mullins, are a measure of his ability.
He was pulled up on his first start for Eoin Griffin at Gowran Park a month ago but was always travelling well in this Listed event.
Rare Bob cut out much of the running in the two-mile-six-furlong contest but Glencove Marina (5-2) had him in his sights turning for home and quickly sealed matters, going on to score by four lengths.
Notre Pere looked as though he would be well beaten rounding the final turn, but ran on again to deny Rare Bob the runner-up spot. The other major contender, Follow The Plan, fell with a circuit still to race.
Griffin said: “That’s a nice win to get. He is a very eager horse, always on his toes and as a result he is a bit hard on himself. Barry said he’d be better again for that run and that he travelled well to after two out before getting a bit tired. Conditions suited him today.
“He is in the Hennessy, but we’ve got no real plans as we’ll be taking it one day at a time with him.”