A New Story storms to National glory
The seven-year-old was racing from 5lbs out of the handicap, but made a mockery of that assessment, scoring unextended by a whopping eight lengths. In truth, he got a terrific drive from Niall Madden, who sat out the back for much of the marathon three and a half mile journey.
A New Story was only sixth heading to the home turn, but a confident Madden produced him with impeccable timing to stride on just after the penultimate obstacle and the winner quickly stretched clear to beat the always prominent Fatherofthebride.
Said Hourigan: “I’d imagine the Paddy Power at Leopardstown will be the plan. He probably won too far, but it was a nice pot. He couldn’t win a point-to-point or a bumper and simply needed time.”
David Flannery, who rode Andy Higgins in this contest, was suspended for three days for using his whip when his chance of winning or being placed had gone.
Earlier in the day Hourigan was on the mark when Just, far from neglected in the market, easily took the Munster Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old, beautifully handled by Denis O’Regan, scored in the proverbial canter, cruising ahead between the last two flights to beat Merrylas with plenty in hand.
“He will continue to mix it between hurdles and fences”, reported Hourigan.
Favourite backers were very unlucky not to collect in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle when Mister Top Notch, in front before the straight, had the contest in safe keeping when falling at the final flight.
The Fingersmith, trained by Andrew McNamara for J P McManus, was left in the lead and stayed on for David Casey to beat Wheresben.
Said McNamara: “He probably needs much further than two miles. He is in again at Thurles on Thursday and it’s possible he might go there.” The McManus colours were also carried to victory when Cool Running won the wwww.corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Christy Roche’s gelding hadn’t been seen since making a successful debut in a bumper at Clonmel back in March and this was a good start over jumps. Partnered by Conor O’Dwyer, riding better than ever, he cantered into the lead after the third last.
The son of Glacial Storm was some four lengths to the good when landing awkwardly and slipping at the back of the last.
O’Dwyer soon had to go for everything, as Dinarobin closed, but Cool Running rallied to score in the end by a cosy enough half a length.
Henry de Bromhead’s Whatareyouhaving, initiating a double for Denis O’Regan, took the paddypower.com Handicap Hurdle with what the handler described as “a phenomenal ride.”
Brogella made a brave attempt from the front, but in-form O’Regan brought the winner with an irresistible surge to grab the lead aproaching the last.
Farmer Grant and Joey Elliott finished with a real flourish to collar long-time leader Doora Volunteer in the last twenty yards of the paddypower.com Handicap Chase.
Eden Royale proved a disappointing favourite, blundering four from home and never threatening to take a hand after. Andrew Leigh, who rode Mister Kilford, was found guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency and suspended for two days and fined e200.
The James Bowe trained You Sir stayed on strongly for Martin Ferris to win the bumper, with heavily-backed Willie Mullins trained Lios Na Ratha, 5-2 to 6-4, well held in third spot.
