Robbie Power returned to action following back surgery in the best possible fashion when partnering Gin On Lime to an impressive victory in the Grade 3 O’Dwyer Steel Dundrum Novice Chase at Tipperary.
The Grand National and Gold Cup winning rider was having his first ride in over four months and the script could hardly have been more perfect as the Robcour-owned mare ran her five rivals ragged.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained 7/4 favourite was soon in front and made virtually all in this two and a half miles event.
She asserted approaching the final fence and stretched right away on the run-in to beat Fan De Blues by an impressive 12 lengths with Busselton a further three and three quarter lengths adrift in third.
A beaming Power said afterwards, “That’s what I’ve been fighting to get fit for ones like that.
“I’ve been riding out for three weeks and I’ve been working hard on my fitness. I don’t think I’ve ever put as much effort into being fit to come back and I feel great.
“I thought on her run in Galway and getting 7lb she would reverse places with Fan De Blues but I didn’t for one minute think it would be that easy. She is probably a shade better going left-handed as well.
“She’s a brilliant jumper and so quick through the air as well. She puts a lot of novices under pressure with the way that she jumps. That’s probably her best performance so far and there is a lot to look forward with her.”
De Bromhead, “She was brilliant and I’m delighted for Robbie on his first ride back. It’s great to see him back, and to do it as well as she did - brilliant.
“She’s been great for us and we’ve had some season with her. She was a little bit unlucky in Galway, but otherwise it’s been faultless.
“She seemed to like the return to two and a half miles - I think that’s more her trip. Coming here I was hoping that, if we ran well here, we might look at the two-and-a-half-mile at Cheltenham in November, and then I’d say we’ll put her away.”
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