Mighty Moscow beaten in a thriller
Yesterday at Punchestown her beloved Moscow Flyer, unbeaten when staying on his feet in 19 previous races over fences, went under by an agonising short head to old adversary, Rathgar Beau, in the Kerrygold Champion Chase.
In truth the remarkable 11-year-old gave this away with a terrible blunder at the second last. Two years earlier, in the same race, he fell at the same fence, handing the prize to Flagship Uberalles.
There was no indication for the majority of the contest that Moscow Flyer’s jumping was going to fall apart. Indeed, it was brilliant for the most part and he threw a breathtaking leap at the second. Geraghty eased into second spot, behind stable companion Colca Canyon, going to five out and Moscow Flyer was in front at the next.
It looked to be plain sailing, even if he did get in a trifle close to the third last, but off the home turn the first signs Geraghty wasn’t overly happy became apparent.
He administered a couple of slaps to his partner, as Rathgar Beau ranged up as a real danger.
Moscow Flyer still appeared in control rising to two out, but made a bad mistake and was soon headed by Rathgar Beau.
To Moscow Flyer’s credit he rallied in tremendous fashion and he and Rathgar Beau flashed across the line locked together, with Native Upmanship powering through from the rear to claim an honourable third.
It took a long time for judge, Brendan Sheridan, to split them but he nodded in favour of Rathgar Beau and Moscow Flyer’s proud record was gone.
Trainer-Harrington took the reverse in fine style. “We knew he was going to get beaten some day”, she said.
“He hates that second last, has a real aversion to it. Barry said he never runs well here, that he doesn’t travel.
“He has had a long season and there is no point being disappointed. He has come back with four legs and a tail and I am delighted he’s in one piece, after the week I have had.
“I lost two horses in the last few days and you don’t care about winning, you just want them to come home safely.”
Asked about next season, Harrington responded: “He’s a fantastic horse and we will set off again and see where it takes us.”
Geraghty commented: “He always tends to doss and for the last two years has come off the bridle turning in here.
“He just paddled the fence, it is the first mistake he has made this year. He was beaten at the last, but battled really well.”
For Rathgar Beau’s handler, Dusty Sheehy, it was a first Grade One victory.
Said Sheehy: “Things turned our way this time. Watching the re-run, I thought we were beaten. I would have settled for a dead-heat.
“He goes out on grass tomorrow. Next season it will be the same route, but he probably won’t go for the Daily Telegraph (Cheltenham) again. Shay (Barry) wanted to go for the Queen Mother this year and was probably right.”
For Barry it provided a welcome tonic. In two weeks time he will undergo a cruciate ligament operation and will then be missing until Listowel in the autumn.
Paul Carberry gave Wild Passion an inspired drive to win the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle.
Noel Meade’s charge didn’t travel through the race particularly well, made one or two minor errors and was niggled along a far way out.
But Carberry got a generous response and Wild Passion landed in front at the third last. Kill Devil Hill threw down a determined challenge all the way up the straight, but Wild Passion found plenty for pressure, holding on for dear life to score by a short head.
“We did seriously consider putting blinkers on, just to help him concentrate”, reported Meade.
“He’s not ungenuine, but is just lazy and very laid back.
“He is in again on Friday (Grade One Mennolly Homes Champion Novice Hurdle) and that is a possibility. More than likely it will be fences next season.”
Meade expressed concern about the surface turning testing for Harchibald in Friday’s Emo Oil Champion Hurdle. “There is plenty of rain forecast and we know he doesn’t like soft ground”, said Meade. “But he will definitely run.”
Timmy Murphy gave Michael O’Brien’s Forget The Past a positive ride to land the Ellier Developments Novice Chase.
“I wasn’t happy with the jockey (Barry Geraghty) the last day at Fairyhouse”, said O’Brien. “My horse should have beaten Like-A-Butterfly. He likes to do his own thing, you don’t want to be interfering with him.”
Murphy pushed the winner to the front four from home and Forget The Past, a thorough stayer, galloped on powerfully to easily beat Quazar.
“None of his family were any good until eight or nine, so he is making great strides”, said a delighted O’Brien.
Nicky Henderson struck a blow for the English when Its A Dream looked a horse with a future, streaking away with the Goffs’ Land Rover Bumper.
Strongly handled by Aidan Fitzgerald, who has a good record with Henderson, the son of Oscar kicked clear early in the straight to win with plenty in hand.
“This has always been the plan”, said Henderson. “Aidan is a top man, you have to have the best when you come over here.”
Former Irish Grand National winner Davids Lad, now an 11-year-old, proved far too good for the opposition in the Kildare Hunt Club Chase over the banks.
Ridden in typical fashion by Paul Carberry, successful later on Wild Passion, he came with a smooth challenge to lead going to two out and easily beat Shady Lad, partnered by Nina Carberry.
Said trainer, Tony Martin: “The poor old devil deserved that. He could head for the Galway Plate, but his future lies in these type of races.”
The superb Nina had her turn, making no mistake when guiding Mansony to win the Tote Ireland 75th Anniversary Handicap Hurdle.
It was an enterprising performance from this talented lady, as she went for glory heading to the home turn to beat Raikkonen a length.
Timmy Murphy took a crashing fall from Emotional Article and was removed to hospital with a broken wrist.
Tony McCoy literally lifted The Boys In Green home in front of Cluain Rua at the end of the Mountbrook Homes Handicap Chase.
Willie Mullins’ newcomer Nay made every yard of the running to easily win the concluding Murphy International Bumper.
