Racing: Klairon holds back from Viking attack

Klairon Davis had much the better of the argument with Merry Gale in the contest between two of Ireland's top chasers at Tipperary yesterday.

The winner, who had taken last season's Arkle Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival, had the two-mile trip and the good ground in his favour and picked off Merry Gale (11-8) when Jim Dreaper's Aintree winner made a mistake two out when being reeled in by the 9-10 favourite.

"Klairon Davis did that well, but he will be having a light programme because there are not many suitable races over this trip in this country. Next spring will be time enough to take on Viking Flagship," Arthur Moore, his trainer, said.

Richard Dunwoody, on the runner-up, reported: "Merry Gale did his job well, but he missed the second last then slipped taking off at the last."

Dreaper described the race as a means to an end. "Merry Gale needed that and goes now to Punchestown on Saturday week before running either at Leopardstown or in the King George at Christmas."