Bula gets off mark with smooth success
He was purchased for a “medium” price, according to Doyle, who continued: “Ger said he would make a lovely jumper.
“He is schooling well and will go for a three-year-old hurdle down the road. The ground was far too soft at Galway and I probably shouldn’t have run him.”
Danny Grant, who went on to complete a treble, had the ride and was in no hurry. Once he asked Chebona Bula to quicken, however, the issue was never in doubt, as the three-year-old eased clear inside the furlong pole.
Grant was on the mark on Pat Flynn’s top weight, Belle Of The Lodge, in the Tote Jackpot Races 3 to 6 Handicap, but had to survive a stewards’ inquiry before being given the all clear.
Belle Of The Lodge certainly hampered runner-up, Sian Thomas, with about a hundred metres to go, but was going clear at the time and the placings were never going to be altered.
Grant, however, was found guilty of careless riding and suspended for one day.
Commented Flynn: “I might run her again back here on Saturday over two miles.”
Flynn and Grant then combined to land the Harneys’ Dunhill Handicap with Bay Swallow, the 9-2 favourite.
Grant dashed her ahead early in the straight to easily beat Belle Chose by three lengths.
“She is a three-parts sister to Grey Swallow”, said Flynn. “She is a lovely, lovely filly and will be way better next season.” Flynn also had a winner at Leopardstown with Final Flashback.
Ruby Walsh’s only ride of the evening reaped a dividend when he guided Henry de Bromhead’s Chartani to victory in the Snowcream Fresh Cream Milk Handicap Chase.
Walsh pushed the mare to the front coming away from the third last and she had little trouble beating The Ladys Man by four lengths.
Said de Bromhead: “A super ride from Ruby and we will look for a similar contest now.”
Sutherland Star, who bolted away with a bumper at Bellewstown, was equally impressive in the Deise Evening At Tramore Festival Maiden for lady riders.
Partnered by the best in the business, Nina Carberry, the always prominent winner skipped on heading out for the final time and had little trouble shaking off the challenge of Alpine Glade in the dip and the late rush of Megans Joy was never a worry.
Swan wasn’t at the meeting, but this progressive sort is likely to more than pay his way in the coming weeks.
Law Officer, sixth in the first juvenile contest of the season at Roscommon, redeemed the promise of that effort when winning the Rocketts’ Of Metal Man Three-Year-Old Hurdle.
Partnered by Andrew McNamara for Edward O’Grady, Law Officer jumped to the front over the second last.
He was strongly pressed at the final flight by La Tizona, but when that rival ploughed into the obstacle there was no way back.
Courella, who had shown nothing in three runs over flights on heavy ground, was a different proposition in the O’Neills’ Bar Handicap Hurdle.
Nibbled at in the market, Christy Roche’s charge got the best of a dour battle with top weight, Bachelor Affair.
