Thirteenth time lucky for Clarkey

THE Christy Roche-trained Clarkey got off the mark at the 13th time of asking when taking the Holy Cross Maiden Hurdle at Thurles yesterday.

Truth to tell, the eight-year-old has been most disappointing, but this was the afternoon when it finally all came together.

Alan Crowe sent Clarkey about his business going to the second last and the blinkered for the first time gelding never flinched to easily beat Alexander Seaview.

“I couldn’t see him winning!”, commented Roche. “If you have any ideas as to where he should go next I will listen to them!

“I put blinkers on the horse the other morning and he went even worse than normal. But desperate men do desperate things!”

Dessie Hughes’ Erritt Lake was a costly failure. Taken as high as 11-4 in the morning, he was returned at 11-8.

Erritt Lake did edge into the lead three from home, but was beaten in a matter of strides, appearing particularly one-paced.

Tom Taaffe’s Knocklayde Vic, disappointing at Limerick previously, showed his appreciation of the better ground when taking the Urlingford Maiden Hurdle.

Driven ahead between the final two flights by Adrian Joyce, he was untroubled afterwards to beat the fast-finishing newcomer, Goidelic, who stumbled badly at the back of the final flight.

“He is out of a half-sister to Merry Gale”, reported a delighted Taaffe. “This guy is a chaser in the making and I don’t think I will run him again this season.”

Trainer, Michael Cullen, expressed amazement after his Annual Report popped up at 14-1 in the Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle.

“He’s had some terrible runs over hurdles, it must be the ground”, remarked Cullen, after Niall Madden had guided his charge to a clear-cut victory.

The winner certainly dug deep when the need was greatest and was always getting the best of the fight over Tooman Lane, the verdict two and a half lengths.

The stewards inquired into the apparent improvement in form and accepted the explanations offered.

The Michael Winters-trained Shake The Bottle, carrying the colours of Killarney pharmacist, Liam Sheahan, landed a little touch in the Cashel Beginners Chase.

Backed from 14-1 to 9-1, Shake The Bottle found plenty for Martin Ferris driving to outstay Got The Urge from the final fence.

Commented Winters: “He ran terrible last season and Liam kept thanking us for the day out and buying the grub on the way home!”

Melon Delta was a very unlucky loser of the Templemore Beginners Chase. He tried to make all and seemed to have the contest in safe keeping when taking a crashing fall at the final fence.

Merveilles was left in front and found enough for Andrew Leigh to hold the renewed effort of always prominent, Earth Magic.

Trainer, Jessica Harrington, said: “He loves fast ground and every time I ran him last summer it was soft. If getting a dry summer, we might have a good time with the horse.”

Mark Doyle, who trains at Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, enjoyed his first success when 50-1 shot Fruitful Venture took the Mares’ Bumper.

She was partnered by 20-year-old Niall Kelly from Kildare. This was his fourth winner on the track and he works for Arthur Moore.

The moderate Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase went to Russian Buck and Niki O’Shea, who came through late to wear down the flattering Caman Swinger.

Russian Buck is now in the care of Wexford handler, James Keegan, who is his seventh trainer.