Sir Allen opens account over fences at Gowran Park

Sir Allen (GB) opened his account over fences with a four-and-a-quarter-length success in the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Beginners Steeplechase at Gowran Park. Sent off at 18/1 under Philip Donovan, who stepped in for the injured Cian Quirke, Sir Allen took advantage when the long-time leader Bon Viveur came down in the straight, keeping the odds-on favourite Arcadian Emperor comfortably at bay. The seven-year-old had shown useful form as a juvenile hurdler and also won on the Flat, but had been going through the motions recently. Schooling over fences sparked a revival, and the yard will now look for a rated novice chase. "He was a very good juvenile hurdler who also won a few Flat races but was going through the motions recently, so we started schooling him over fences, which seemed to ignite him. He'll keep going over fences and will go on softer ground as well. We'll look for a rated novice chase now. It was a nice winning spare for Phily, who rides out for me." Andrew Slattery confirmed Sir Allen will continue over fences and will handle softer ground as the autumn progresses.