Longhouse Poet could tread a familiar path for Martin Brassil after gaining the trainer a first Goffs Thyestes Chase success since Numbersixvalverde in 2005.
The gelding was in fact Brassil’s first runner in the race since then and started at 9-1 under Darragh O’Keeffe at Gowran Park.
Travelling prominently throughout the three-mile one-furlong contest, he jumped the penultimate fence shoulder to shoulder with Willie Mullins’ well-fancied Franco De Port (15-2).
Over the last Longhouse Poet took a narrow lead and stayed on steadfastly to hold off his rival and secure a three-quarter-length success with Mister Fogpatches (11-1) a further four and a half lengths back in third.
“He got a good start and Darragh said he never missed a beat,” Brassil said. “He was always able to take him back and give him a breather.
“I would have said he was more effective on heavy ground, but he seemed to handle that.
“I know it’s soft, but there’s a bit more life in it today. He just really enjoyed it.
“He came alive when he came into the ring, he was really fresh and bright in himself.
“When horses are healthy and well, they don’t take a lot of training.”
The season after Numbersixvalverde’s triumph the trainer aimed for the Grand National and did not miss, landing the Aintree spectacular as he got the better of Hedgehunter by six lengths.
Longhouse Poet has been introduced to the market for the famous staying contest at a price of 33-1, and Brassil intends to enter him for Aintree along with the Irish National at Fairyhouse.
“The last time I had a runner in the race (Thyestes) was when Numbersixvalverde won it,” he said.
“They’re great races to win, these historic races, won by some great horses going back the years.
“It’s only his second run in a handicap, but he came from a good school.
“Derek O’Connor schooled him in his point to point, so I didn’t have to do too much schooling.
“There’s an entry closing on Monday for Aintree, and we’ll think of the Irish National as well. They’re the type of races we’ll be looking at.”
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