It is notable that Derek O’Connor was booked to take the ride aboard Thelongwayaround for his debut at Tralee in a 13-runner five-year-old maiden, suggesting hopes were high for the Fruits Of Love’s introduction. A bad mistake at the mid-way point put pay to any hopes, and he was looked after, pulling-up before the race had really begun in earnest. That proved to be a wise decision, as seven-days later he was in the winner’s enclosure following a three-length victory at Kinsale. Patiently ridden once again towards the rear of the 12-runner field, Thelongwayaround had learned a lesson from his opening effort, as there were no jumping mistakes as he steadily took closer order on the inside of runners along the back straight. Still with a couple of lengths to find on the previously placed leader approaching the penultimate fence, the bay gelding continued to find for pressure to win going away by the line.

Shoudl read Sold with a Pre-Sales Veterinary Certificate