Lonesome Boatman and Rockys Howya head Clonmel entries

Image © Healy Racing

A total of 20 entries have been received for the rescheduled Rathronan Maiden Hunters Chase at Clonmel.

A snow-covered course had resulted in the original fixture at the Tipperary venue having to be cancelled, and the race put back by a week.

Despite fresh entries being taken for the extended two and a half mile contest, the total number of entries matches those taken for the original fixture, albeit with some slight changes.

Talented hunter chasers Lonesome Boatman and Rocky’s Howya still remain as the headline entrants, with Lonesome Boatman bidding to gain his first success on the racecourse after an impressive third-placed finish in the Punchestown Champion Hunter Chase at the end of last season.

He had to switch to Daniel Murphy for that run, but having returned back to Sean Allen for his seasonal re-appearance, which saw him finish third to Winged Leader at Moig South, he can now run in the Clonmel contest for the Araglen handler after he saddled his first runner under rules at Limerick over the Christmas period.

Rocky’s Howya had finished six lengths in front of Lonesome Boatman in that Moig South contest, and he will seek to confirm that form despite having been a beaten short-priced favourite at Limerick last month.

The 2023 Cheltenham Foxhunters-fourth could only manage a 13-length fourth to Con’s Roc in the Limerick Maiden Hunter Chase, having tired in the closing stages.

West Of Carrig finished in front of him in Limerick and could re-oppose, with Don Browne’s eight-year-old among the 20 entries, alongside two of this season’s multiple winners from the pointing fields.

Milan Forth has recorded wins at Umma House, Kirkistown and Moig South this season, although he did come up second best to West Of Carrig in Curraghmore, whilst Fountain House is also a three-time winner, with his winning run culminating in a first victory over the banks in open company at Lingstown in November.

Declarations for the Rathronan Maiden Hunter Chase close next Tuesday, January 14th.