Rock gives McCoy and McManus a timely boost
The well-backed 3/1 favourite jumped into the lead four fences from home but needed all of McCoy’s strength and determination in the closing stages (subsequently severely cautioned) to see off Conna Castle by a half-length with the very unlucky Reisk Superman third, having made a crucial mistake when challenging at the final fence.
“He did it well and it was a good prize from him to win,” said Fozzy Stack, son and assistant to winning trainer Tommy. “He made his customary one or two mistakes but, when it was needed, he jumped the last three well.
“I don’t think he would have won at Cheltenham, if he wasn’t brought down. But that could have been a blessing in disguise, because he didn’t have a hard race. He likes to get his toe in and, if the ground is right, he’ll probably go to Punchestown.”
The featured Ladbrokes.com Handicap Hurdle went to the Noel Meade-trained 20/1 shot Fisher Bridge, just forty-eight hours after he finished fifth to Kempes in a Grade novice hurdle.
Ridden by Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden, he wore down the flattering Sesenta close home and then held the flying late surge of his stable-companion Silverhand by a neck.
“He disappointed me on Sunday, but, as I said to Willie (Mullins) before the race, that was solid enough form. Barry (Geraghty) rode him on Sunday and told me two miles was to short for him. I only decided to declare him two minutes before yesterday’s deadline.
“I’ve always considered him decent. I’m not sure if he’s in the valuable two-and-a-half mile handicap at Punchestown. If he’s in it, he’ll run. If he’s not, I’ll give him a break and train him for the Galway Hurdle.”
Fisher Bridge was the second leg of a double for Meade, successful in the opening juvenile hurdle with the Paul Carberry-ridden The Fist Of God, having his first run since November.
After Phonsie O’Brien’s gelding got the better of Coffee Tea Or Me, Meade commented: “He’s always been lazy at home and hasn’t been working particularly well. He doesn’t like winter ground, so we gave him a long break. The plan was always to come here. I suppose he’ll head for Punchestown now.”
Ruby Walsh brought Oscar Dan Dan from a virtually impossible position to foil Caim Hill in the Kevin Brady Car Sales Citroen Novice Hurdle, prompting trainer Tom Mullins to state, “I think we should give half the prizemoney to Ruby. I thought he’d pull the horse up at half-way. But he told me that he always felt they were going too fast.
“The horse has done well over hurdles, although his Thurles run threw a spanner in the works a bit. I’m thrilled to win a good ‘pot’ like this with him. On this evidence, he probably needs three miles and, if there’s a suitable race, over at least two and a half, he’ll probably run at Punchestown.”
Mullins and owners Paul Duffin and Sean Corby were expected to complete a doubl;e with well-touted debutant Desert Dual in the bumper. But, after plenty of traffic problems, Patrick Mullins’ mount had to settle for third spot behind Fionn Tra, trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by her daughter Kate.
Having saddled his third winner of the Easter Festival, Tony Martin was full of praise for Robbie Colgan. “He has some talent and did a great job putting that horse to sleep,” said Martin after Colgan had partnered Mourne Rambler to a smooth success in the Racing Post Handicap Hurdle.
Hollow Ranger, which underwent cosmetic surgery after a horrific fall at Ballinrobe last year, sprang a 25/1 shock in the Scotty 33 Cancer Research Handicap Chase, giving Philip Rothwell his thirtieth win of the season.
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