Heartwood wins the Ryanair Chase

Racing Post:

'Half an hour ago, I was on the floor' - Heart Wood cashes in on Fact To File's absence to give owners swift Ryanair redemption

What a difference half an hour makes.

Brian Acheson was devastated after missing out on the Stayers' Hurdle with two of his biggest chances of the week, last season's one-two Bob Olinger and Teahupoo, but their defeats were soon forgotten when Heart Wood capitalised on the absence of Fact To File to win the Ryanair Chase.

His task was undoubtedly made simpler by the withdrawal of last year's winner less than an hour before the race – the announcement of which was met with an audible groan from those in the grandstands who had backed him – but still faced a formidable opponent in another JP McManus-owned star, Jonbon, who was sent off favourite to finally break his festival duck after a string of runner-up efforts.

However, Heart Wood, who finished second in the race last year at 18-1, never looked in danger, cruising past the gallant JPR One approaching the second-last before stretching comfortably clear under Darragh O'Keeffe to provide Henry de Bromhead with a much-needed first victory of the week.

Winners can never be taken for granted here but the opening two days must have felt especially long for a trainer used to big-race success. His anxious wait for a breakthrough was also keenly felt by one of the yard's big supporters in Acheson, who cut a relieved figure in the winner's enclosure.

"Half an hour ago, I was on the floor," said the leading owner. "I thought we were in serious trouble. Teahupoo and Bob were our two big chances. This fella was always there and we felt we had a chance when the favourite came out but we were having such a bad week that you start to talk yourself out of it. It's Henry and Darragh's first winner and it's just a relief."