Whinstone Boy lands Thyestes gamble
The nine-year-old was a huge punt with all the 14-1 in the offices snaffled and it continued on track, Whinstone Boy returned as the 5-1 second favourite.
“Someone was up early this morning,” said Mangan with a real glint in his eye. “My father (Paddy) won the race in 1981 with Junes Friend and I led her up that day. This was the one I have always wanted to win and it means everything to me.”
Twenty-one year-old Sean Flanagan, from Clonroche, Co Wexford, gave Whinstone Boy a dashing drive, having him in the first two throughout the contest.
They were accompanied by Siegemaster, who was marginally in front over the third last when making a mistake.
Whinstone Boy, however, was still full of running and Flanagan soon had him disputing the lead again.
The winner certainly held the call at the final fence, as Hangover stayed on to claim second, ahead of Siegemaster.
Mangan’s principal claim to fame prior to this, of course, was winning the Grand National at Aintree in 2003 with Montys Pass. Three of the men who owned Montys Pass, all from Belfast, also own Whinstone Boy.
Said Mangan: “I told Sean to make plenty of use of him with the light weight. This is his weather and his ground.
“I would have been so disappointed if he had failed to get into the race, even though we had the Galmoy Hurdle as a saver. He’s had his problems, slight leg problems.
“The lads (owners) love to go to Liverpool and that is now the plan, more than likely for the Topham. He will have an entry in the Grand National and would probably run if getting in.”
Secant Star, so unlucky when falling at the last when clear at Leopardstown, made no mistake with an emphatic success in the Ballyhane Stud Maiden Hurdle.
He was soon in front for Ruby Walsh and was able to stroll up the straight to easily beat Capellanus by an unflattering seven lengths.
The Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham now looms large for Willie Mullins’ gelding, who was shortened to 12-1, from 16’s, by Ladbrokes.
Reported Mullins: “He’s fairly decent and will have one more run (before Cheltenham). We will now up him in grade and see how good he is. This is a chaser in the making and one I am looking foward to.”
Mullins and Walsh completed a double when Uimhiraceathair, on his first outing of the season and first over fences, was a spectacular winner of the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Novice Chase.
He came there absolutely swinging in the straight, led over two out and then forged clear to score unextended by six lengths.
“That looked a very good performance and I wasn’t particularly expecting it,” said Mullins.
“Ruby and I discussed the race and thought he wouldn't handle the ground. He will go up in grade now and see where that leaves us.”
MULLINS landed a treble when Paul Kristian followed his Fairyhouse victory with a smooth display in the Bumper.
Ridden with patience by Mullins’ son Patrick, the Overbury gelding eased ahead inside the furlong pole to beat the flattering Around A Pound by four lengths.
“He will go jumping now and head next for a maiden hurdle,” said Mullins.
Carnbridge, who had been knocking on the door for a while, had a turn when grabbing the Kilkenny Handicap Hurdle for local trainer Dick Donohoe.
Take It Easee, in front going to two out, looked all over a winner, but the always prominent Carnbridge rallied in terrific style to get back up close home and score by a head.
“Sean (Flanagan) gave him a great ride and got the horse to wing the last, which made all the difference,” said Donohoe. “He will run again soon, but probably not at Leopardstown on Sunday.”
Flanagan, on the mark with both Whinstone Boy and Carnbridge, was deprived of a treble aboard Boroleee in the Carey's Cottage Cup Handicap Chase.
Borolee had every chance, but was worried out of it close home by the Derek Bates partnered Ard Agus Fada.
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