Road To Riches survived a late scare before justifying favouritism at Cork

Last updated: 9th December 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Road To Riches: Survived a final flight blunder

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Road To Riches survived a late blunder to justify odds-on favouritism in the Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle.

The well-regarded Noel Meade five-year-old is unbeaten under Rules and was a 1-6 chance when winning his debut over hurdles at Punchestown last month, where he beat subsequent easy winner Pride Ofthe Parish.

Given a confident ride by Paul Carberry and last of the seven runners at halfway, the 2-5 market leader took closer order three out and jumped upsides Dushrembrandt at the second-last.

Going to the final flight on the bridle, Carberry's mount ploughed through it but the rider was able recover his poise and in the end cantered over the line to claim Grade Three honours.

Meade said: "Paul said he was a bit free early on and when he dropped him back he became almost too relaxed.

"It was a bit uncharacteristic to see him making a mistake. He got lit up beforehand when he was battling him.

"He did what we came here to do. He's a a chaser in the making for next season and now we know he stays three miles.

"The Dorans Pride Hurdle at Limerick might be a possibility. There's a race in Naas in January as well."Sky Bet cut the winner to 16-1 from 25s for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.