The Galway Man wins but Mullins is disappointed
That was the case with Tony Mullins at Clonmel yesterday, after The Galway Man, backed from a little 2-1 to 11-8, had landed the John Harney Bookmaker Chase.
“He’s rated 130 and that wasn’t a 130 display”, said Mullins. The Galway Man’s form figures facing into the contest were UFU, but Paul Carberry was always going to get him round on this occasion.
In the main the winner’s jumping was safe, indeed brilliant at times, but he reverted to his old ways over the last three fences.
He looked to have the front-running Be My Better Half well covered going to the last, but got in far too close to the obstacle, losing a couple of lengths.
Carberry quickly got down to work and cajoled The Galway Man back up to challenge and grab the lead close home to score by three parts of a length.
“Paul said he didn’t like the ground”, commented Mullins. “He’s in the Padddy Power (Leopardstown), but would have to do a lot better if he was to win that. There has to be a lot of improvement to come if he is ever going to develop into the horse I believe him to be.”
Trainer, John Codd’s immediate reaction after his Ira Hayes took the Merck Sharp and Dohme Handicap Chase was to utter the immortal words: “I’m flabbergasted.”
Superbly handled by Conor O’Dwyer, Ira Hayes swept through from the last to cut down A New Story to the tune of two lengths.
“I didn’t think he would handle the ground, that was down to the jockey”, said Codd.
“Unbelievable” was the word Charlie Swan used to describe the ride Ruby Walsh gave the trainer’s Ingres to win the Lisronagh Maiden Hurdle.
The Sadler’s Wells colt, a former Ballydoyle inmate, made every yard of the running and only well-backed market leader, Brogella, was any sort of threat through the last half mile.
Brogella made a couple of minor errors, but held every chance early in the straight.
But Walsh was in no mood for defeat and galvanised his charge to hold the market leader by a length.
“He’s a lazy horse and you would have to praise the jockey”, said Swan. “He will go for a winners’ of one at Limerick next.”
Walsh now leads Carberry 76-66 in the jockeys’ championship.
The victory of Oulart in the Ernst and Young Maiden Hurdle may signal a change in fortune for Dessie Hughes’ horses, who have been under a cloud in the early part of the campaign.
Oulart made every yard of the running, in the hands of Paddy Flood, shooting well clear from two out to score by nine lengths.
“She stays well and will make a three miler”, reported Hughes, who is very much looking forward to the reappearance of champion hurdler, Hardy Eustace, at Navan on Sunday.
“The horse is in great form, but chasing her (Solerina) around will probably find out his fitness”, said Hughes.
“A more cheerful owner you couldn’t train for”, quipped trainer, Liam Burke, after Inch Pride, carrying the colours of Carrigtwohill man, Billy O’Neill, had landed the Bumper in impressive style.
In truth, she was never out of second gear for Derek O’Connor, cruising ahead down hill to the straight and only having to be asked for the minimum in the closing stages.
“She was sold twice and the people buying changed their minds”, said Burke. “She’s a fair mare and will go hurdling now.”
When Mountain Snow edged on before two out, in the BDBC Building Contractors’ Handicap Hurdle, he looked another for Ruby Walsh.
But Alan Donoghue produced Allez Petit Luis with impeccable timing to cut down Mountain Snow at the last.
The Clonmel Beginners Chase was very moderate, with victory going to the Tommy Carberry trained Mr Murchan.
Partnered by his son, Philip, Mr Murchan led two out to easily beat Berkerys Boy.
