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Analysis & Selections by
Declan
Phelan
Whether it be "the race of the day" or a small prize round the gaffs, we will attempt to use our knowledge of the formbook to highlight the fancied horses participating
each day and their characteristics and requirements. Hopefully this 'second opinion' provides you with a winner or two each day, or
even reinforces your own view on a particular may even convince you to back some of those horses which we feel are the "ones to fear", or have decent eachway claims. whichever is the case, we hope the information is of use to you.
FOREWORD
Thanks to Declan Phelan, for allowing us to post his weekly review on the current Irish Point-to-point season. This could prove to be a valuable guide for horses to watch out for next season... Hope you enjoy it
Week
8 - Knockanard, Clonmel & Punchestown---17/2/2002
Three Sunday meetings this weekend, with
big fields at Knockanard & Punchestown, and a number of
potential future stars on view.
Knockanard
The North County Cork venue staged ten
races, including two, three way divisions. Local trainer/rider Paul
Cashman landed a treble, and Paul Crowley, older brother of UK based
professional Brian, recorded a double.
The opening race of the afternoon was a
5 year old maiden, last year won by Keen Leader. Its doubtful if
anything of his calibre was on view in this race, nonetheless a
number of promising types emerged. Victory went the way of the Tom Lombard
ridden Executive Ace (Ex
Perk) which was prominent throughout, jumping crisply, led 2 out and
stayed on strongly from Silver Birch (Clearly
Bust). The latter led until the second last, and looks a perfect
type for UK middle distance races under rules. Third home Foxey Dove
(Bold Fox) never got to terms with the principals, and John Berry's Oyster
Shell (Be My Native) ran a race suggesting imminent
future victory taking 4th. In a strongly run race others bound
to improve for the run were debutants Arctic Charm (Montelimar), Moslob
(Black Monday), and Grey Report (Roselier).
Wayward Magic (Magical Strike) from the Cashman camp showed enough
to suggest that he can win on a easier circuit.
The Mares Winner of 2 produced a
cracking finish, with Killeagh winner Tell Me See (6
Glacial Storm) (5/2) out pointing Appel Island(8 Duky) in a driving
finish. The winner will be heading for a mares bumper on the track
in the next few months, and looks up to scoring in that grade. Third
home Pretty Young Thing tried to make all and repeat last years win
in this race but was a spend force from the 2nd last. The fourth Misty
Native (7 Be My Native) (9/4 fav) did not enjoy the best of
passages, and looks certain to atone in the not too distant future.
Star Open horse Dans Your Man (½)
made all, for a dominant success in the days feature race. The
Cashman team were talking afterwards about having a crack at the
Cheltenham Foxhunters. I advised them to give the race a miss, as I
feel the horse is very ponderous at the open ditches on the track
proper and tends to lose ground and become disappointed. I hope
for the horses sake that they listened to my advice. This race had a
certain novelty value as it featured the pointing debut of Arabian
Story (9 Sharrood) which was last seen finishing 6th in the
1997 Melbourne Cup. This high class grey was held up out the
back to get the trip, but flew over the final half mile to
finish a clear second, without ever challenging the winner. I must
say that Arabian Story jumped like a stag, and the fences on the
Knckanard circuit are some of the biggest in the country. On this
performance Arabian Story could possibly be a well above average two
mile chaser, and as he is only nine, it may be worth taking him down
this route.
The 6 year old & upwards geldings
maiden was divided three ways. Division 1 was won by Summers Day
(6 Roselier) (5/2) who easily dismissed the challenge of
his chief rival Aughmor River (7 Over The River) (2/1). Summers
Day, a compact grey, looked an out and out stayer and was delivering
on the promise his showed at Lisgoold in January. Paul
Barber & Paul Nicholls had travelled over from England for the
day, primarily to see Barber's Whispering John (6
Grand Plaisir) (4/7) run in Division 2. This runner up at Killeagh
was always struggling to go the pace, and had to settle for a well
beaten second behind General Confusion (8 Invader General). The
latter paid a big compliment to his Killeagh conqueror
Lissglassheen. Division 3
featured another odds on favourite in the shade of Dungarvan faller
Kirribilli (4/9), but he folded tamely at the 4th last. In one of
the days most competitive climaxes, James Sheehan demonstrated
his strength in the saddle forcing home newcomer Boys Don't Cry
(7 Willie Joe) to claim Hogan's Pass (8 Brush Aside) & and
the promising Follow The Flow (6 Over The River) on the run in. Coolnahilla
(6 Roselier) caught the eye running on to take 4th under tender
handling.
Favourite backers having suffered a few
setbacks got themselves off the ropes when Silken
Thyne (2/5) won the adjacent maiden, making all to
score by 6 lengths. This 6 year old son of Good Thyne had
finished second to Keen Leader on this track last year, prior to
finishing 4th in a bumper. Silken Thyne will certainly win on
the track.
The final race the 6 year and upwards
mares maiden attracted 45 runners and was divided 3 ways. Division 1
was won by the experienced mare China Storm (9 Glacial
Storm) who was too strong for the Cashman's mare Sunset View
(6 Good Thyne) (5/2 fav). Division
2 was the most competitive of the divides, in which a gamble on
debutant Kilcowan (6
Beau Sher,½ sister to Alcapone) (8/1 to 5/2) came unstuck, when she
fell 3 out when bang in contention. This left the favourite Cush
Jewel (6 Ex Perk) (9/4) & Cherry Ride (7 Kings Ride) (4/1)
fighting it out on the climb for home. The season's leading jockey
John Thomas McNamara then sat tight on Cush Jewel after she
blundered at the last and kept her up to her work to fend off Cherry
Ride. Division 3 witnessed the third leg of the Paul Cashman treble
when the favourite Chione (6 Mandalus) (3/1) atoned
for running out at Tallow last week when leading all the way,
eventually eased to win by 3 lengths.
Horses in red
considered future winners
Knockanard- 2 & 3/4 circuits,14 fences, right
handed. Going Good to Soft, Good in places.
1-Geldings Maiden 5 Yr Only
1-Executive Ace---T Lombard
2-Silver Birch
3-Foxey Dove
6l,3l. 17 Ran.
2-Open
1-Dans Your Man---P Cashman
2-Arabian Story
3-Bucringboy
3l,1l. 8 Ran.
3-Mares Winners Of Two
1-Tell Me See---J Burke
2-Appel Island
3-Pretty Young Thing
3/4l,20l. 12 Ran.
4A-Geldings Maiden 6 Yrs+ ----Division 1
1-Summers Day---P Crowley
2-Aughmor River
3-Indian Glen
3l,6l. 14 Ran.
4B-Geldings Maiden 6 Yrs+ ----Division 2
1-General Confusion---P Tobin
2-Whispering John
3-Viaduct 4l,10l.
14 Ran.
4C-Geldings Maiden 6 Yrs+ ----Division 3
1-Boys Don't Cry---J G Sheehan
2-Hogan's Pass
3-Follow The Flow
½l,4l. 14 Ran.
5-Adjacent Hunts Maiden 5 Yrs+
1-Silken Thyne---P Cashman
2-South Queen Lady
3-Always Something
6l,Dist. 9 Ran.
6A-Mares Maiden 6 Yrs+ ----Division 1
1-China Storm---P Crowley
2-Sunset View
3-Jimmy's Pride
10l,5l. 15 Ran.
6B-Mares Maiden 6 Yrs+ ----Division
2
1-Cush Jewel---J T McNamara
2-Cherry Ride
3-Little Nancy
3l,2l. 15 Ran.
6C-Mares Maiden 6 Yrs+ ----Division 3
1-Chione---P Cashman
2-Coldabri
3-Hazlewood
3l,2l. 15 Ran.
Clonmel
The going was very testing at Clonmel
where as usual they raced on the inside of the racetrack proper.
The opening confined Tipperary hunt race
has always been competitive and won in the past by horses of the
calibre of Boss Doyle. The latter was trained to win his point here
6 years ago by Holycross trainer Pat Doyle, and once again he
supplied this year's winner in the shape of Manavite (
7 Invited) who left some earlier poor efforts behind to coast to an unchallenged
success. However his passage was made considerably easier by the
early departure of the day's big gamble Freeby (5
Ex Perk) (6/1 to 6/4), who for the third time on the bounce this
season came out second best in an encounter with a fence.
Pat Doyle's Lord
Who (5 Mr Lord) sported similar unwanted
credentials as Freeby, having fallen in his two previous runs at
Dungarvan & last week at Tallow. But this 1/1 favourite ran his
rivals ragged in the 5 year old maiden to achieve a distance
victory, and a double for the Doyle yard. Lord Who is a name to
remember when he appears on the track proper. Remote third Barkel
(5 Aaysaylad) showed some potential.
Just as impressive was newcomer Native
Playboy (6 Be My Native) who looked a horse with
huge potential when collecting the 6 year old geldings maiden.
Always in contention, Russell Ross kicked Native Playboy clear
with a circuit to race and he came home unchallenged. He may have
beaten little of merit, but there was no mistaking the authority of
Native Playboy's success.
Catherine's Dream (6 Husyan) showed
marked improvement from a tame effort at Tallow last week to score a
commanding victory in the 6 year old mares maiden. But
the most dramatic race of the afternoon was the 5 year old mares
maiden. Dishy (Jurado) was a distance clear and had the race in safe
keeping when she fell at the second last. Jockey Mark Cahill quickly
remounted, jumped the last without the aid of stirrups and still
managed to steer Dishy to a remarkable 15 length victory.
Clonmel-2 & ½ circuits, 13 fences, right
handed. Going Heavy.
1-Confined Maiden 5 Yr+
1-Manavite---A Fitzgerald
2-Sherbourne Guest
3-Sixes And Sevens
10l,Dist. 10 Ran.
2-Mares Maiden 5 Year Old Only
1-Dishy---M Cahill
2-Shauna's Pet
3-An Cupla
15l,10l. 14 Ran.
3-Geldings Maiden 5 Year Only
1-Lord Who---PJ Colville
2-Mr Dance A Lot
3-Barkel
Dist,½l. 18 Ran.
4-Geldings Maiden 6 Year Only
1-Native Playboy---R Ross
2-Addiescaddy
3-China Box
Dist, Dist. 8 Ran.
5-Mares Maiden 6 Years Only
1-Catherine's Dream---B Moran
2-Fiddlers Bar
3-Eastertide
30l,10l. 10 Ran.
6-Open
1-A Good Mistake---J Conheady
2-Cousin Joe
3-Glenahary Rose
1l,10l. 10 Ran.
Punchestown
They raced on the inside of the
racetrack also at Punchestown and a marathon 12 race card
produced many commendable performances.
Kerry's Cross (7
Phardante) (5/4) landed the odds for favourite backers in
the opening hunt event. This Gerry Cusack trained mare a course
and distance winner last year was never in danger of defeat.
The 1st & 2nd Divisions of the
Adjacent Hunts Maiden were won by horses with solid track form,
namely Cathy Harrison's Flash Flood (7 Comm Run) & Martin
Brassil's Liquor Merchant (7 Magical Strike).
In the 3rd Division Denis Reddan's Mister Pepper (6
Leading Counsel) looked sure to collect going to the last, but
failed to go through with his effort & presented the
race to Grove Nettle ( 7 Torus). A couple of note from these
maidens were Lord Rockfield (6 Mr Lord) & Handsome
Gigalow (5 Phardante) who should be capable of
winning maidens in their own right.
Tony Martin saddled the favourites in
both divisions of the novice riders Open. Martin's Butsy's Honour
(7 Salluceva) an impressive winner last year at
Ballon, was never sited in Division 1 won by the well
exposed Kyle Lad. Hollybank
Buck, Tony Martin's former Eider Chase winner finished a never
nearer 4th in the 2nd Division which was won with surprising ease by
Hornblower (7 Goldneyev).
Fork Lightning (6
Roselier) looked a horse with a big future in front of him when
bolting up in the 1st Division of the 6 Year Old Maiden. In this
contest another Tony Martin trained runner Millenium Tommie (6
Husyan) was noted make strong late progress to peg 4th place. Cathal
McCarthy's Ballybay Demesne (6 Bob Back) had to work hard to win the
2nd Division.
Cockney Rainbow (5
Rainbows for Life) & hitherto luckless Eyelash (5 Supreme
Leader) collected the mares maidens. More Class (5
Phardante) second to the latter shaped as a definite future winner.
Punchestown-2 circuits,14 fences, right
handed. Going Soft/Heavy.
1-Confined Hunt Open
1-Kerry's Cross---JD Moore
2-Faymartini
3-Carneden Rose
6l,4l. 12 Ran.
2A-Adjacent Hunt Maiden 5 Yrs+
----Division 1
1-Flash Flood---JJ Dullea
2-Wispy Mist
3-Lord Rockfield 25l,5l.
14 Ran.
2B-Adjacent Hunt Maiden 5 Yrs+
----Division 2
1-Liquor Merchant---R Loughran
2-Handsome Gigalow
3-Misty River 4l,1
½l. 14 Ran.
2C-Adjacent Hunt Maiden 5 Yrs+
----Division 3
1-Grove Nettle---R Quinlan
2-Mister Pepper
3-Ammanati
1l,5l. 13 Ran.
3A-Open Novice Riders ----Division
1
1-Kyle Lad---J Howard
2-Tomogatchy
3-Ballyday Dazy
5l,10l. 15 Ran.
3B-Open Novice Riders ----Division 2
1-Hornblower---R Lavery
2-Bigjames
3-Buggy
8l,3l. 15 Ran.
4A-Geldings Maiden 6 Year Only
----Division 1
1-Fork Lightning---L Lennon
2-Flecthefawna
3-Shackleton
2l,2l. 14 Ran.
4B-Geldings Maiden 6 Year Only
----Division 2
1-Ballybay Demesne---S McGonagle
2-Mr Ben
3-Shibas Prince
2 ½l, 2 ½l. 13 Ran.
5A-Mares Maiden 5/6 year Old Maiden
----Division 1
1-Cockney Rainbow---P Buchanan
2-Taylor Rose
3-Shanwalla
8l,8l. 15 Ran.
5B-Mares Maiden 5/6 Years Old Maiden
----Division 2
1-Eyelash---B Hamilton
2-More Class
3-Tullywood Queen
4l,3l. 14 Ran.
6A-Geldings Maiden 7 Year Old
Only----Division 1
1-Sweet Torus---C Murphy
2-Dionn Righ
3-Over The Urrin 1
½l,4l. 13 Ran.
6B-Geldings Maiden 7 Year Old
Only-----Division 2
1-Fethard Lord---P Buchanan
2-Felix Darby
3-Red Nell
2l,10l. 14 Ran.
Week 7---Tallow,
Belharbour---10/2/2002
Two meetings were held this weekend at
Tallow in West Waterford & a new venue at Belharbour in County
Clare.
Tallow
As usual this venue on trainer Jimmy
Mangan's land provided quality racing, with 8 races held, many of
which are bound to throw up future racecourse winners.
The opening confined hunt was the weakest
race of the day, but the locals were not complaining after Jimmy
Mangan's See More Hicks (7 Seymour Hicks) just held off the persistent
challenge of Sean Aherne's mare Davs Delight (7
Be My N) at the generous odds of 7/2. The beaten favourite was Liam
Burke's Catchmeifyoucan (6 Glac Storm), a faller at the ninth when
ridden along. The winner will struggle to add to this success, but the
second should win an older mares maiden. The other horse worth
noting was Dante's Money(8 Phardante-Maid Of Money),
which had a nice pop around to take 4th, and would be interesting
at maybe Lismore point in 3 weeks.
The second race was an interesting 5 year
old maiden, with Pat Doyle's Lord Who (Mr
Lord) & Enda Bolger's Shady Lad (Aahsaylad)
sharing favouritism at 2/1. Both were in the van throughout, and
approaching the third last, 5 were covered by 3 lengths. Lord Who
& newcomer Wild Edgar (Invited)
were both cantering when falling independently, as did Look
Between Us (Lucky Guest), who was just feeling the pace. This
left the hard ridden Shady Lad to fight it out with Paul
Cashman's Canterbury Jack (Supreme Leader), and J T
McNamara had to work overtime to get the verdict on Shady Lad. The
winner would not be the fastest thing on four legs, but does jump well
and should be placed to collect a winners contest, at a venue like
Killaloe in the coming weeks. Canterbury Jack was stepping up
considerably on his point debut run at Lisgoold and with the same
level of improvement can break his duck. Unlucky fallers Lord Who
& Wild Edgar look morals for maiden successes. Lord Who has now
fallen on both outing but can set the record straight fairly
quickly. Wild Edgar could be very good. Of the also rans, John
Berry's pair had mixed fortunes, Oyster
Shell (Be My N) a good looker slipped up at halfway, and
Lawrence T (Elbio) ran out of steam early. Michael Cullen's Summer
Camp, a nice son of Corrouge, hinted at ability, as did Lord
Of Illusion (Mr Lord), who faded after a
prominent showing for two miles. The might with time make into a
very good chasing type. Incidentally
Shady Lad was providing Aaysaylad with his first winner, and
coincidentally that stallion is based
just a few miles from the Tallow track.
The Powers 6 year old qualifier was
divided. The first division featured a successful gamble on Paul
Cashman's grey By Degree (Roselier)
(12/1 to 4/1). Market leader Glenduff Bridge (6/4
to 7/2) fell 6 from home, but at that stage By Degree was in front,
and despite being slow at his fences, he maintained his advantage
until the home turn. Poor Tactics (Commanche Run) was
brought from the back with a patient run, and challenged By Degree on
the approach to the final fence, but By Degree had too much toe for
him on the run in. Jonjo Walsh's Nickel Creek (Phardante,
brother to Keano) ran a promising third. Paul Cashman reported that By
Degree, unusually for a Roselier, would be seen to better effect on
good ground, and felt that he was good enough to win a
bumper.
The second division looked weaker,
and the laurels went to Paul Nolan's Mister
Bruce (Over The River) who battled bravely to just
outstay American Paddy( Phardante). The well backed favourite Ashstorm
(Glacial Storm)(4/1 to 2/1) was travelling strongly in
the lead when taking a soft fall at the 8th fence, and is sure to
gain compensation. John Berry's pair of newcomers Boom Economy ( Black
Monday) & Boys Hurrah ( Phardante, 1/2 brother to
Strong Deel) showed little, both pulled up on the final circuit.
Sober Performance (8
Bruff Crozier) (3/1) blitzed the opposition in the open, making all,
and never in danger at any point. Liz Doyle's exciting front
runner, has a few kinks, but was recording his third victory of 2002,
the second horse to record such a feat.
Recent Dungarvan winner The Lios (9 King
Luthier) (6/4 fav) also made all in the Winners of 1, his only
hairy moment came when he survived a bad mistake at the 3rd last. Jubileeman
(6 Mandalus) was a clear second, but chasing in vain, when
falling at the second last, but he looks up to winning one of
these contests. Clearly In Motion (5 Clearly Bust) ill
at ease on the tacky ground, eventually gained the second spot.
Racing concluded with two divisions of the
5/6 year old mares maiden. In the first division the hard pulling Chione
(6 Mandalus) looked all at sea on this left handed
track, and ran out at the fifth when challenging Lady
Molean (6 Ashmolean) for the lead. Lady Molean then
established a big lead, but was tiring entering the final 1/4 mile,
and Dead Right Too (5
Good Thyne) came from the rear with a wet sail, to lead
close home. Acumen (6 Phardante, sister to Albemarle)
caught the eye in third. The favourite Dellaheena Lass (6
Safety Catch) (9/4) fell at the 3rd.
There was a highly controversial
conclusion to the second division. Kennedy's
Lass (6 Husyan) & Deise Rose (5 Glacial
Storm) fought out a good battle over the last two fences, with
Kennedy's Lass gaining the verdict by a half length or more. However
the judge did not think so, and to the absolute amazement of all, he
announced Deise Rose the winner by a neck. This was the poorest
judging decision seen for a number of years. The only crumb of
comfort for connections of Kennedy's Lass is that in most people's
eyes, the next time she runs, she will be a winner running in a
maiden event, and is bound to be very heavily supported.
Horses in red
considered future winners
Tallow- 3 & 1/4 circuits,15 fences,
left handed. Going Heavy, tacky in places.
1-Confined Maiden (5yr+)
1-See More Bills---T Lombard
2-Davs Delight
3-Jimmy's Pride
1l,10l. 10 ran.
2-Geldings Maiden 5 Yr Only
1-Shady Lad---J T McNamara
2-Canterbury Jack
3-Castlequarter King
2l,10l. 17 Ran.
3A-Geldings Maiden 6 Yr Only--Powers
Qualifier---Div 1
1-By Degree---P Cashman
2-Poor Tactics
3-Nickel Creek
2l,4l. 17 Ran.
3B-Geldings Maiden 6 Yr Only---Powers
Qualifier---Div 2
1-Mister Bruce---T Cloke
2-American Paddy
3-Silver Castle 3l,15l.
16 Ran.
4-Open
1-Sober Performance---Liz Doyle
2-Desertmore
3-Irvine
10l,2l. 13 Ran.
5-Winners Of 1
1-The Lios---M Hartrey
2-Clearly In Motion
3-Kilcaskin Gold
Dist,2l. 8 Ran.
6A-Mares Maiden
5/6 Yr Old ---Div 1
1-Dead Right Too---C Sweeney
2-Lady Molean
3-Acumen
1l,20l. 18 Ran.
6B-Mares Maiden 5/6 Yr Old ----Div 2
1-Deise Rose---M Hartrey
2-Kennedy's Lass
3-Terquogan Thyne
nk,10l. 17 Ran.
Belharbour
The County Clare Foxhounds staged their
first point of the season at a brand new and unique venue. Belharbour
is surrounded on one side by the Burren and on the other side by the
Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately most present did not enjoy the
scenery as the Atlantic stripped it's teeth, sweeping a strong
gale across the course combined with persistent rain.
Punters had a good start when Denis
Quinn's Tommy Casur(6 Mr Lord) (2/1 to 6/4) had an
easy win in the confined maiden. His market rivals Work Away Horse
& Woodyouever both ran out in the event.
The class horse of the day was on view in
the first division of the 5/6 maiden, when Tom Costello's Over
The Storm(5 Over The River) (5/2 to 5/4) won without
breaking sweat. This 5 year old had run out on it's debut back in
October, but provided Tony Costello with an armchair ride. It
would be difficult to gauge his long term worth on this run, but he
can at least collect a winners event.The runner up Equivocal (6
Roselier) ran a fine race for trainer Ger Hourigan and should have little
difficulty finding a small race.
The second division was won by Before I
Forget (6 Broken Hearted) given a clever front running ride by
trainer Andrew Young husband, in the end just lasting home from fast
finishing Robbie Junior (6 Weld) representing
the Eric McNamara stable. The disappointment of the race was the well
backed favourite Hidden Weapon (4/1 to 5/4) from
the Hassett camp which failed to handle the testing conditions.
The most dramatic finish of the day was in
the first division of the older horses maiden. Asabache (7 Alphabatim)
set out to make all, but was tiring on the approach to the last, at
the same time Muscadier (7 Roselier) was finishing
very strongly and looked set to score. Asabache arrived at the last
fence just in front of Muscadier, but ducked out and refused, and in
the process baulked Muscadier who lost his rider. Remote 3rd Buy A
Bundle then walked out through the fence and came to a standstill, but
managed to trot over the line in front of the only other completer
Beggars Bridge.
Timpeall An Ti (7 Ikdam)
came from last to first to win division two impressively for
trainer Billy Flavin, father of jockeys Des and Ron. This horse might
do well in UK points. Second home Large Attraction (7
Good Thyne) can be found a winning opportunity in similar class. The Hassett family were among the winners
when their mare Nana Max (6 Be My Native) notched
an easy win in the 5/6 mares maiden. The favourite here Paddy's
Girl (5 Aristocracy) challenged strongly at the second last,
but folded tamely to finish fourth, but might be worth another
chance in less testing conditions.
Belharbour--3 circuits,15 fences, left
handed. Going Heavy.
1-Confined Maiden 5Yr+
1-Tommy Casur---M Grant
2-Bridgeville Queen
3-Jame's Return 4l,10l.
12 Ran.
2A-Geldings Maiden 5/6 Yr Old ---Div 1
1-Over the Storm---Tony Costello
2-Equivocal
3-Mussel Buoy 3l,15l.
12 Ran.
2B-Geldings Maiden 5/6 Yr Old---Div 2
1-Before I Forget---A Younghusband
2-Robbie Junior
3-Toal Bridge 2l,12l.
12 Ran.
3A-Geldings Maiden 7 Yr+ ----Div 1
1-Buy A Bundle----P Costello
2-Beggars Bridge
2l. 12 Ran.
3B-Geldings Maiden 7 Yr+ -----Div 2
1-Timpeall An Ti---D Finn
2-Large Attraction
3-Colin's Leader 10l,1l.
12 Ran.
4-Open
1-Icy Calm---D O Connor
2-Oh What A Day
3-Over the Liffey
6l,3l. 5 Ran.
5-Mares Maiden 5/6 Yrs Only
1-Nana Max---B Hassett
2-Damers Venture
3-Princess Perk
7l,11l. 7 Ran.
6-Mares Maiden 7 Yrs+
1-Pitfire---P Cloke
2-Legal Lady
3-Dancehall Days
2l,3l. 14 Ran.
Week 6-Comber-
2/2/2002
Only one of the three scheduled meetings for
this weekend was held. The Northern fixture at Comber on Saturday
survived the weather.
Comber
The
County Down venue staged an eight race card, including two divided
races.
The opening race of the day was a
winners contest in which the gamble of the race River Bug(8 Over The
River) (4/1 to 5/2) was most unfortunate not to succeed. Ridden close to
the pace River Bug looked in control when making a
horrendous mistake at the last, sprawling on landing and presenting the
victory to ex Scottish pointer Nothingtotellme (11 Roselier). River Bug
having come to a standstill was flying at the finish and got to within a
length and a half of the winner.
The George Stewart camp were
celebrating after the classy win of their mare Bellaney Lady(8m Un
Desperado) in the Open. After attracting significant support in the ring
(5/2 to 6/4), Bellaney Lady was
settled in mid division before cutting through the opposition on the
final circuit like a hot knife through butter. She has been a little hit
and miss in the past, but on her day Bellaney Lady is well up to lifting
a Hunters Chase.
The 5 year old maiden looked an
average race. Recent Tyrella second Nik Libre was a
solid favourite (7/4) and looked in command during the final circuit,
only to have his wings clipped close home by the fast finishing Geraldo
(Lycius). This was a race in which a number of newcomers were getting a
good education, primemost in that category were the third & fourth, Mr
Meyer (Alphabatim) & Moygannon Mist (Synefos), Mr
Meyer trained by Shane Donohoe looked the best long term prospect in the
race.
The George Stewart camp supplied the
jolly in the 6 year old geldings maiden in Ross Gee(1/1)
which was expected to step up on his run a fortnight previous at Tyrella. However
on this occasion the money remained in the bookies satchels as Ross Gee
looked held in second when taking a crashing fall at the final fence.
The race was won by Wexford raider Oneofthemongoes, which recorded a
flawless round to in the end score by 12 lengths from Some Trainer. Oneofthemongoes(6
Ikdam) is owned by national jump professional jockey John Cullen and
looks up to competing successfully in winners company. The eventual
second Some Trainer(6 Leading Counsel) suffered
interference on more than one occasion, and should be found a winning
opportunity.
The older mares maiden was divided
with the first leg won impressively by Ian Ferguson's Pointless
Expense( 6m Supreme Leader) justifying favouritism (6/4). The
second division looked a weak affair, with World Rock(7m Top Of The
World) touching off the luckless Silverbridge(8m
Peacock), which would have collected but for being hampered by a loose
horse.
The closing older geldings maiden was
also divided, both ordinary contests, won by Lucky People(10 Good Thyne)
& Mr Maguire(8 Cajetano).
Horses in red considered
future winners.
Comber-3 circuits,15 fences, right
handed. Going Good, soft in places.
1-Winners Of 1
1-Nothingtotellme---W Rankin
2-River Bug
3-Royal Town
1 ½l,5l. 17 Ran
2-Open
1-Bellaney Lady---L Gracey
2-Dexter Gordon
3-Olivers Island
10l,10l. 9 Ran.
3-5 Yr Old Maiden
1-Geraldo---J Keeling
2-Nik Libre
3-Mr Meyer
1l,3l. 9 Ran.
4-6 Yr Old Geldings Maiden
1-Oneofthemongoes---T Cullen
2-Some Trainer
3-Goodbadindifferent
12l,20l. 10 Ran.
5-6 Yr+ Mares Maiden
Div 1
1-Pointless Expense---W Rankin
2-Flying Again
3-Sandend
5l,15l. 12 Ran.
5-6 Yr+ Mares Maiden
Div 2
1-World Rock---J McGurgan
2-Silverbridge
3-Shantilly Way
1l,15l. 14 Ran.
6-7 Yr+ Geldings Maiden
Div 1
1-Lucky People---D Russell
2-Phar Quicker
3-Our Century
½l,2l. 17 Ran.
6-7 Yr+ Geldings Maiden
Div 2
1-Mr Maguire---C Rafferty
2-Cry Of The Banshee
3-Toscanini
2l,15l. 16 Ran.
Week 5 -
Dungarvan, Ballon, Nenagh - 27/1/2002
This week we had three Sunday meetings.
Dungarvan
Dungarvan staged the Cork/Waterford circuit
meet. The ground was very testing on a wet and windy day.
The opening 5 yr old maiden appeared a 2
horse race according to the ring, with the Pat Doyle trained newcomer Lord
Who (Mr Lord) (2/1-4/5) just favoured over the Costello
debutant Sporting Man (Insan)(1/1-2/1).
In a disappointing race Lord Who was lying in second when falling at the
7th. Sporting Man took the lead at the fifth last, and strolled clear
thereafter to win unchallenged. The Cashman newcomer Wayward
Magic (Magical Strike) ran OK to take third on unsuitable ground.
The winner Sporting Man is a fine strapping chasing sort, and it was not
his fault that the opposition were not up to much. He looks a real long
term chasing prospect, built in the mould of former Costello inmate
Florida Pearl, he is one of the best long term prospects seen so far
in 2002.
The second race was a very competitive
mares maiden with two mares who had good recent runs featuring at the head
of the betting market. Dellaheena Lass & Cush
Jewel (both 9/4) were both inconvenienced by the testing
conditions, but the winner Graineuaile(6M Orchestra)
revelled in the mud to land a nice touch for connections(10/1-7/1). Dorneys
Double(5m Good Thyne) lost little in defeat and can go one
better in the near future.
The Winners Of 1 was a weak affair, with
the laurels going to the Mouse Morris trained Hurton(8
Glac Storm), whose long term future is in doubt as he was injured upon
returning to the winners enclosure. Likewise The Lios(9
King Luthier) achieved little when making all in the confined maiden.
The Open was dominated by the joint favourites, with Davy Russell
eventually plotting a clever victory on Liam Burke's Avondale Illusion
(Satco), just outfoxing Brambledale. Russell was heavily supported by
punters to register a quick double in the closing race. He was on
Demi O Byrne's newcomer Kirribilli (7
Ex Perk,1/2 brother to Cottstown Boy) (6/4-2/5), and he was jumping like a
stag and in complete control, when, he over jumped the third last and bit
the dust. This left his three remote pursuers in control and After
the Ball(7 Andretti) proved the chief beneficiary.
Horse in red consider
future winners.
Dungarvan--3 circuits,15 fences, right
handed. Going Heavy.
1-5 Yr Old Geldings Maiden
1-Sporting Man---Tony Costello
2-Whyso Mayo
3-Wayward Magic
8l,Dist. 9 Ran.
2-5/6 Mares Maiden
1-Graineuaile---D Murphy
2-Dorneys Double
3-Cush Jewel
½l,1l. 14 Ran.
3-Winners Of 1
1-Hurton---G Power
2-Curtins Hill
3-Bucringboy
1l,2l. 6 ran.
4-Confined Hunt Maiden (5Yrs+)
1-The Lios---M Hartrey
2-Bally Aero
3-Chief Witness
Dist, Dist. 6 Ran.
5-Open
1-Avondale Illusion---D Russell
2-Brambledale
3-Desertmore
4l,10l. 5 Ran
6-7 Yr+ Geldings Maiden
1-After The Ball---M Keoghan
2-Keep The Keyes
3-Milamoss
2½l,8l. 8 Ran.
Ballon
The County Carlow venue of Ballon staged a
very competitive card on Sunday with a total of ten races.
Liz Doyle's Sober
Performance notched his second win of the season when
making all, in the Ladies Open, just holding on, from fast finisher Good
Glow. This was a race run at a fast pace, and the form
should work out well. The winner a free running sort, may be interesting
if dipped into a maiden hunter chase. Good Glow, a hunter chase winner
last year, looks in good form, and may be up to winning more hunter's
chases this year.Boonaboroo(6 Glac Storm,1/2 brother to
Amberleigh House) from the Padge Berry yard was a big flop, after
attracting heavy support(5/2-5/4). The 6 yr Geldings Maiden was divided
and produced two very interesting prospects. Tony Martin collected the
first division on his own Rosenca (En Calcat) which eased to the
front 2 out and held on from game runner up Shackleton (Glacial Storm).
This pair were a long way clear of the rest and both looked decent. They
were also both making their debuts. The second division was all about
one horse, John Kelly (Husyan),
who looked superb, when making all, for an eased down victory. This 6 year
old trained by Pat Sinnott in Wexford, runs for owner John Brennan who has
some very good track performers at the minute, best of whom is
Badgers Wood, another former pointer. John Kelly was given a confident
ride by Cathal Swords, but poor Cathal soon ran out of luck, as he broke
his leg in a later race. Two to catch the eye were, Padge Berry's
Flecthefawna (Glac storm) 4th, and Tony Martin's Catch
A Grip, which was given an easy run, out the backdoor. Halleys
Comet (Roselier) won
the mares race on home turf after a good recent run at Kilfeacle, but
second Not So Green (Roselier), belied her name on this
occasion, and can surely win next time.
The Open was divided, a little lopsidedly.
In the First Division, the stronger race,
Northern raider William Ulsterman(9 Riverhead), just
edged out Glenahary Rose & Apremont(9
Be My Native), in a driving finish. The latter is one to follow in opens
& hunter chases. Blue Irish the fav in this race was a dismal flop.
The second division was won by the
progressive mare Kerry's Cross(7 Phardante), who
graduated to open company successfully. Third home Arthur Moore's Bit
On The Hide (ridden by a Japanese jockey) ran with
promise, and looks good to score at Punchestown point next month.
The closing race, division two of the older
horses maiden was won by the Tony Martin trained/ridden Prince
May (7
Houmayoun) which oozed class when scoring from Hotandcold(8
River God). Prince May is well regarded by the Tony Martin camp, and
is definitely expected to make an impact on the track proper. The
second will get compensation, and was unlucky to have run into such a
decent opponent ,in a race of this nature
Ballon---3 circuits,14 fences, left
handed. Going Soft.
1-Ladies Open
1-Sober Performance---Liz Doyle
2-Good Glow
3-Tomogatchy
½l,20l. 13 Ran.
2A-6 Yr Geldings Maiden Div 1
1-Rosenca---Tony Martin
2-Shackleton
3-Good Idea 2l,Dist.
12 Ran
2B-6 Yr Geldings Maiden Div 2
1-John Kelly---C Swords
2-American Paddy
3-Leading Gossip
3l,3l. 12 Ran.
3-6 Yr Mares Maiden
1-Halley's Comet---P Murphy
2-Not So Green
3-Tullywood Queen 5l,20l.
16 Ran.
4A-Open Div 1
1-William Ulsterman---B Hamilton
2-Glenahary Rose
3-Apremont
1l.nk. 12 Ran.
4B-Open Div 2
1-Kerry's Cross---John O Meara
2-What A Star
3-Bit On The Hide
4l,7l. 12 Ran.
5-5 Yr Mares Maiden
1-Shesnotthelast---R O Sullivan
2-Whitefort
3-Markmywords
12l,Dist. 12 Ran.
6A-7/8 Yr Geldings Maiden
1-Cassinari---A Fitzgerald
2-Dionn Righ
3-Sleek Sixteen
5l,3l. 18 Ran.
6B-7/8 Yr Geldings Maiden
1-Prince May---Tony Martin
2-Hotandcold
3-Over The Urrin
3l,Dist. 17 Ran.
Nenagh
The going was very testing at Nenagh.
The most impressive winner of the day was
the Donie Hassett trained Doora Volunteer(5
Big Sink Hope) which jumped for fun to win the 5 yr old maiden. Enda
Bolger's Shady Lad (Aahsaylad), plugged on for second, a bad mistake
3 out, cost him his chance. The fav was John Halley's Freeby (Ex
Perk), who failed to act in the conditions, and was pulled up.
Eugene O Sullivan's Tribal Run notched
his third win of 2002 winning the Open from The Bean House,
but the result may have been different, had not Epic Duel fallen
4 out when a big danger to all
Carrodown Storm (6m Glac Storm) won
the mares maiden, but the JT McNamara ridden Paddy's Girl had
looked set for victory when falling 3 out. However JT gained compensation
later when he had a smooth success on the Mouse Morris trained/John
Magnier owned Fota Island (6 Sup Leader). The well
supported David Wachman newcomer Killiney
Bay (6 Mr Lord) was an early casualty.
Nenagh---14 fences, left handed, a little
under 3 circuits, about 3 mile 2 furlongs per race. Going very testing
1-Winners Of 1
1-A Good Mistake---J Conheady
2-Bigjames
3-Jubileeman
½l,4l. 11 Ran.
2-5 Yr Geldings Maiden
1-Doora Volunteer---B Hassett
2-Shady Lad
3-Amoreigh
4l,12l. 9 Ran.
3A-7 Yr+ Maiden
1-Grove Nettle---R Quinlan
2-Asabache
3-Autumn Mist 10l,10l.
16 Ran.
3B-7 Yr+ Maiden
1-Mons Dante---B Moran
2-Aughmor River
3-Out The Road 4l,1l.
15 Ran.
4- Open
1-Tribal Run---W O Sullivan
2-The Bean House 2
Fin. 4l. 5 Ran.
5-5/6 Yrs Mares Maiden
1-Carrodown Storm---J Lalor
2-State Witness
3-Phar Too Generous
6l,4l. 12 Ran.
6A-6 Yr Geldings Maiden Div 1
1-Fota Island---J T McNamara
2-Johnyyouronlyjoken
2 fin. 20l. 12 Ran.
6 B-6 Yr Geldings Maiden Div 2
1-The Kew Tour---M Grant
2-No Coward Soul
3-Alpha Gold
6l,10l. 11 Ran.
Week 4- Tyrella-19/1/2002, Killeagh,
Kilfeacle-20/1/2002
Three meets were held, including the first
Northern card of 2002.
Tyrella
The seaside venue in North Down staged
the first Northern meeting of the season. The sandy soil produced good
going on a windy day.
Strawberry Bob
put up the performance of the day when making virtually
all to win the opening winners race. This 6 yr old son of Bob Back had
impressed when winning an Autumn maiden at Newry, and was
given a positive ride by Brian Hamilton, as he jumped from fence to
fence to delight his supporters who took advantage of the 5/1 on offer.
A horse with a definite track future, best at maybe 2 & 1/2 miles.
River Bug(8 Over The River), an exposed
sort, stayed on for second, as the two market fancies, Bellaney Lady(2/1,8m
Un Desperado) & Ballywalter(6 Comm
Run,5/4), failed to complete. Brian Hamilton later completed a double
aboard Grangewood Lad (7 Montelimar) which coasted to victory in a poor
older horses maiden.
Also doubling up was Kilkenny
jockey/trainer John Quinn, who had an easy win on Remember Mark(8
Montelimar) in an older horses maiden. But Quinn was a shade lucky to
collect earlier on Lynrick Lady(6 Un Desperado), who lead throughout the
mares maiden and just managed to hold promising maiden Eyelash
(5 S Leader), who with a more committed ride would
have collected. Nonetheless Eyelash looks a certainty to win a
mares maiden, and long term looks promising in the extreme. She runs in
the Denis Reddin colours, carried in the past by the likes of She's Our
Mare
Tenpoundsworth
(9 Orchestra,4/6), romped to an effortless win in
the Open. This strapping sort has Cheltenham & Aintree Foxhunters on
his agenda, the latter may suit, but he may be a tad slow for such
races. But he will win Hunter Chases at the Northern tracks (Down
Royal, Downpatrick).
The 5/6 geldings maiden was an open race
on paper, Nik Libre(5 Nikos) looked like making a winning debut, but a
slow jump at the last presented the initiative to Another
Ace (5 Synefos), and Liam Lennon did not look this gift
horse in the mouth, and was in control on the run in. Another Ace
was recording an unusual across the card double for Scottish owner
Ronnie Bartlett, whose Behaving Badly was winning at Catterick at almost
the same time. Behaving Badly had won an Autumn point in Ireland, so I
would expect to see Another Ace turn up in the UK shortly after this
win. Nik Libre will gain compensation, and a couple of
others to note from this race were 4th home, Larry Fifty(6
Ex Perk) & Ross Gee from the Stewart camp.
The other race on the card was a dreadful
7yr+ mares maiden won by Lauralivia(7 Rashar).
Horses in red future
winners
Tyrella---2 & 3/4 circuits, right
handed,14 fences. Going Good.
1--Winners Of Two
1-Strawberry Bob---B Hamilton
2-River Bug
3-Geronimo Murphy
10l,Dist. 10 Ran.
2--5/6 Geldings Maiden
1-Another Ace---L Lennon
2-Nik Libre
3-Jack Knappy 2l,10l.
14 Ran.
3--Open
1-Tenpoundsworth---L Gracey
2-Just Open House
3-Finoel
10l,3l. 8 Ran.
4--7yrs+ Mares Maiden
1-Lauralivia---B Potts
2-Millenium Edition
3-Rose Of Down
4l,20l. 15 Ran.
5--5/6 yrs Mares Maiden
1-Lynrick Lady---J Quinn
2-Eyelash
3-Witchy Lady
½l,25l. 10 Ran.
6A--7 yr+ Geldings Maiden Div 1
1-Remember Mark---J Quinn
2-Ciuain Ri
3-Auto Route
20l,3l. 17 Ran.
6B--7 yr+ Geldings Maiden Div 2
1-Grangewood Lad---B Hamilton
2-Horseface Jack
3-Bard Of Drumcoo
6l,6l. 16 Ran.
Killeagh
One of the premier meets of the year was
held at a new venue this year, as the established track was out of
bounds due to an outbreak of TB within the bounds of the track.
Going was extremely testing, but a number of
quality horses revealed themselves.
The first event of the day was the confined
maiden. This event was won last year by Beauanarrow, a subsequent dual
UK bumper winner. The connections of Beauanarrow , trainer Robert
Tyner & jockey Brendan O Sullivan, teamed up to once again deliver
the winner when debutant Lissglasheen(5
Kasmayo), jumped accurately, and came with a steady run to lead before
the turn to the last fence, before bounding clear on the run in.
Considering that the Tyner horses are just recovering from a bout of
virus, this was a highly commendable effort, and Lissglasheen,
looks as though he will have little difficulty following in the path of
Beauanarrow. I have to admit that I have never heard tell of his sire
Kasmayo, but if Lissglasheen is typical of his stock, keep an eye on
this stallion. Lissglasheen was a solid second favourite in the ring(3/1
to 5/1 to 7/2), as another newcomer, Tom Busteed's mare Euro Supreme(5m
S Leader) was all the rage(5/2-6/4). This mare travelled well, and
tracked the winner, but ran out of gas approaching the last fence, and
was pulled up on the run in. On better ground, Euro
Supreme looks a moral for a mares maiden.
The Costello trained Lisgoold winner No
Stranger was dispatched the jolly for the winners race, but when unable
to dominate, was well beaten with 3 fences left. At this point Tell
Me See(6m Glac Storm) & Ask Henry(6 Jolly Jake) took
control. Ask Henry ran a little wide on the final bend, allowing Tell Me
See to poach an advantage, that she extended all the way up the run in.
Mares tend to have a poor record in these winners events, and this
was a highly commendable win on the part of Tell Me See, which had won her
maiden in November at Castletown Geoghegan. The runner up Ask
Henry, was rather tenderly handled, and many punters felt he
was ridden with another day in mind, so we will await developments.
Last year's 5 yr old Powers Qualifier was a
cracking race won by Ballyhampshire Boy. This year's renewal was not so
hot. Just 6 faced the starter with Theennisconnection the
solid 4/6 jolly. This Davy Russell ridden son of Supreme Leader, jumped
deliberately at times, and kicked clear at the second last to record a
comfortable success for trainer John Brassil. I was not overly impressed
by the winner, and feel that in the long run any of the horses which
finished 2nd,3rd & 4th, may be better long term prospects. Trainer
Liam Burke supplied 2nd & 3rd, First Down Jets (Arctic
Lord) & Foxey Dove (Bold Fox). The former warmed to
his task, and came from a remote 5th 2 out to snatch second on the line,
and will benefit from this educational debut. The latter, Foxey Dove, put
in some mighty leaps, but may require a testing track. The best looker
in the parade ring was Liam Cashman's newcomer Euro
Bob (Bobs Return), who looked in need of the run. But
this chestnut which finished 4th, looked a real chaser of the future,
and if learning from the run and progressing, would be one to follow.
The Open was a non event, with the Cashman's
stable star Dans Your Man winning at his leisure, the
only surprising feature was that he was available at 1/2, a price which
was grabbed by many professional punters, in a very strong betting ring.
The 5th race of the afternoon saw another
quality performance by a newcomer. Rio
Diamond(6 Montelimar), travelled with consummate class
throughout this race, before extending clear over the last half mile.
This 6yr was ridden by Tom Lombard who had done all the work with the
horse prior to selling him to trainer Paul Lenihan. Owned by a syndicate
of legal eagles from Cork, a bumper now beckons, and this class act is a horse
to which you must accord maximum respect. Whispering John(6 Grand
Plaisir), carrying the Paul Barber colours, stayed on nicely to take
second, and can oblige in the coming weeks, especially as he is highly
regarded. Glenduff Bridge(6
Good Thyne), like Whispering John,
a Liam Burke trained horse, got a tender ride to grab 4th, and is
another future winner.
The concluding mares maiden produced an
exciting finish with the Bill Flavin trained Alston Dewdrops(5
Good Thyne), claiming the long time leader Twentyfourseven(5
Ilium) on the run in. The 3rd home Churchtown Belle(5
Glac Storm), an enormous mare, may be one for the notebook.
Killeagh---2 & 3/4 circuits, left
handed,14 fences. Going Soft/Heavy.
1-Confined Maiden 5yrs+
1-Lissglasheen---B O Sullivan
2-General Confusion
3-Ballyknock Rose
6l,17l. 15 Ran.
2-Winner Of 1
1-Tell Me See---J Burke
2-Ask Henry
3-Curtins Hill
10l,3l. 13 Ran.
3-5yr only Geldings Maiden--Powers Qualifier
1-Theennisconnection---D Russell
2-First Down Jets
3-Foxey Dove 8l,½l.
6 Ran.
4-Open
1-Dans Your Man---P Cashman
2-Art Prince
3-Mucky Man
Dist, Dist. 4 Ran.
5-6yr only Geldings Maiden
1-Rio Diamond---T Lombard
2-Whispering John
2-Viaduct
Dist, DHeat. 12 Ran.
6-5/6yrs Mares Maiden
1-Alston Dewdrops---P Costello
2-Twentyfourseven
3-Churchtown Belle 10l,10l.
16 Ran.
Kilfeacle
The second meeting on Sunday was held at
Kilfeacle, a venue about 10 miles outside Cashel.
The going was heavy at this testing track.
J T McNamara continued his pursuit of the
jockeys championship with a double. The first leg was achieved aboard
Enda Bolger's Eoin's Pride(7
Houmayoun), which had a snug win in the Open. This was Eoins Pride 5th
point success in the space of 4 months, as he achieved the maximum
allowable 4 wins in the Autumn campaign. A hunter chase win looks on the
agenda for this 7 year old. J T had to wait until the last race to
record the second leg of his double when Commanche Wave(7
m Comm Run) came out best in a three way fight in the mares maiden,
just beating the well bred Legal Lady(7m
Over The River) & Shannon Waters(6 Moscow Society),
in a decent contest. The winner had been unlucky at Killeagh, and no
doubt deserved the win, but the placed horses can also be placed to
winning effect in the coming weeks.
Hardy Cardinal(9 Cardinal Flower) was most
fortunate to win the opening Confined maiden, as he was presented the
race when State Witness(6m Witness Box) fell at the
last with the race in the bag.
The older horses maiden was divided and both
produced close finishes. There was controversy in the first division as
Russian Connection(8 Moscow Society), was awarded a head verdict over
Lakefield Rover(7 S Leader), whom many people felt had won. The second
division saw Allducknodinner(7 Le Bavard) win also by a head from Lucy
Moses(8 Yashgan).
The 5/6 geldings maiden produced a clear cut
winner in the shape of the Ger Hourigan trained Kings Equerry(6
Kings Ride). This half brother to the Tom Tate trained mare Tina
Thyne, ran poorly on his sole run in 2001,but looked a different
proposition here. Lord Atterbury(6 Mr Lord) had
caught the eye during the Autumn campaign, was a creditable second, and
4th home Good Lord Denis(6 Mr Lord) is also
open to improvement. The
winners race went the way of the hotpot Cracking Dawn(7
Be My Native,1/2) which supplemented his easy Lisgoold win, with
another one here, in the hands of leading novice rider Derek O Connor,
who was recording his second win of the day. Enda Bolger's Lanmire
Glen(5 Jurado), never threatened the winner, but as a 5 year
old can only improve for this run in winners company.
Kilfeacle-3 circuits, left handed,15 fences.
Going Heavy.
1-Confined Hunt Maiden 5yr+
1-Hardy Cardinal---B Moran
2-Kilfrush Lady
3-Hill Of Kilfeacle
8l,15l. 10 Ran.
2A-7yr+ Geldings Maiden Div 1
1-Russian Connection---D O Connor
2-Lakefield Rover
3-Cassinari
Hd,6l. 12 Ran
2B-7yr+ Geldings Maiden Div 2
1-Allducknodinner---J Bennett
2-Lucy Moses
3-Noble Moss
Hd,5l. 11 Ran.
3-Open
1-Eoins Pride---J T McNamara
2-Tomogatchy
3-Icy Calm
1l,¾l. 9 Ran.
4-5/6 Geldings Maiden
1-Kings Equerry---Caroline Hutchinson
2-Lord Atterbury
3-Silent Too
4l,5l. 16 Ran.
5-Winners Of 2
1-Cracking Dawn---D O Connor
2-Lanmire Glen
3-Oh What A Day
3½l,20l. 5 Ran.
6-5/6/7 Mares Maiden
1-Commanche Wave---J T McNamara
2-Legal Lady
3-Shannon Waters
2½l,5l. 18 Ran.
Just a few of post scripts.
1---Over
Anxious, the impressive Costello winner at Lisgoold, has
not joined Hen Knight, and will be aimed at all the top Hunter Chases in
Ireland.
2---Sheltering
had a bloodless win in a hunter chase at Punchestown at
the weekend. He has always looked better going right handed, so
lingering doubts remain in my mind over his Cheltenham prospects.
3--- Cray Valley Jet, the
Powers winner at Aghabullogue returned home with a cracked pelvis, and
will be out for at least 12 months, after Curragh vet Ned Gowing
inserted a pin in the horse's leg.
4---Noticed that the ex Cashman 6 yr
old Euro Alert, won an English point on Sunday at
Ampton. A good winner at Knockanard in February, he is a very game
stayer, but rather small in stature. But should be able to win an
English Hunter Chase, especially if he gets soft ground which he
relishes.
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