Stonemaster continues on upward curve
Powerfully handled by Davy Russell, he dug deep when the need was greatest to win decisively in the end.
Russell drove him hard to lead over the second last and Dessie Hughes’ charge stayed on dourly to beat front-running, Kusadasi, by two and a half lengths.
Commented Russell: “This is a grand horse and anything he does over hurdles is a bonus. We have always liked him and he’s progressing.
“Dessie found a nice opportunity for him here and, I’d imagine, he will now probably go to Punchestown.”
Russell was out of luck, however, aboard hot-pot, Jagoes Mills, who took a fatal fall at the last in the Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase.
Jagoes Mills and Caim Hill rose to the obstacle together, but the former crashed on landing, breaking a shoulder.
Philip Fenton’s Caim Hill was then left with an easy task to beat the less than enthusiastic Across The Bay by an easy five lengths.
Said Fenton: “I don’t know who would have won, but we had luck on our side. He will be better on better ground and could be a Galway Plate horse.”
The improving Cloughmile added to her maiden victory at Thurles with a game effort in the Student Raceday April 13th Mares’ Hurdle.
Superbly handled by one of the rising stars of the game, Adrian Heskin, Cloughmile found plenty for pressure to resist the persistent challenge of well-backed market-leader, Killultagh Queen.
Winning trainer, Michael Hourigan, said: “The owners have her for seven years, they bought her as a foal.
“She’s not a bad mare and I thought her mark over fences was too high and that’s the reason I went back over hurdles.”
Cloughmile now heads for a mares’ race at Punchestown.
“I should have run him at Liverpool,” quipped Charlie Swan after his The Cockney Squire had run away with the Racing In Red Maiden Hurdle, to the tune of 13 lengths.
The Bob Back five-year-old made virtually all of the running, cruising up the straight to beat King Eloi with any amount in hand.
Continued Swan: “He’s a nice horse, but has been a bit hard to train and was keen in the early part of his career.
“I don’t know what will be next, but knowing his owner (Timmy Hyde), he will probably want to sell him!”
Willie Mullins’ Knocknabooly, off the track since winning over fences at Navan in December of 2007, toyed with the opposition in the Beamish Stout Hurdle.
Partnered by Paul Townend, in place of the sidelined Ruby Walsh, he could be mapped as the most likely winner a long way from home.
Townend let out an inch of rein going to the last and Knocknabooly answered the call to quickly skip clear.
Mullins was represented by his wife, Jackie, who reported: “I’ve been on the phone to Willie and we are absolutely delighted to see him come back and do that. He will now go to Punchestown.”
Dermot Weld’s Hidden Universe, so disappointing at Cheltenham, showed he remains a real talent with a smooth display in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Bumper.
Partnered with typical confidence by Robbie McNamara, the Linamix gelding eased ahead at the two furlong pole to coast away from Si C’Etait Vrai, who is certainly one for the notebook.
Kris Weld represented his father and said: “He didn’t enjoy Cheltenham, for some reason he didn’t like the place. I haven’t spoken to dad, but I’m sure Punchestown will be considered, although it does come rather soon.”
The Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase saw the John Joe Walsh-trained Jack Absolute again show his liking for the track.
This was a fifth win for the grey son of Fantastic Light and they have all come at Limerick.
Gentleman Jim made a brave bid from the front, but Eddie Power got a real tune from the winner to get up close home.
