Further Kilbeggan joy for owner Dempsey

Kilbeggan has proven to be a happy hunting ground for owner Michael Dempsey in the past, and there was further joy for him at the midlands circuit this afternoon with his Henry de Bromhead-trained and Darragh O'Keeffe-ridden She's A Fine Wine taking the GUY Clothing & KODE Clothing & Footwear Handicap Chase.

Caim Hill took the big prize of the year at the Westmeath venue for Dempsey in 2012 and 2014 when annexing the Midlands National for Philip Fenton and Brian O'Connell.

Today She's A Fine Wine did well to master determined clear pace-setter Kilashee which she eventually managed by a length and three parts.

Robbie Power representing de Bromhead said: “Michael (Dempsey, owner) is just after saying to me that Kilbeggan has been a very lucky track for him and he’s had two Midlands National wins here.

“She ran well in Punchestown and will keep tipping away for the summer. I’d say we’ll stick to fences for the time being and she could step up a bit in trip as well.”

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cheerful Chap trained by P.J. Rothwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be have some skin scrapes but was otherwise post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving She's A Fine Wine, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, placed first, and Kilashee, ridden by D. King, placed second, where it appeared that She's A Fine Wine crossed Kilashee. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted