Xenophon easily lands Pierse Hurdle prize
Off the course since runner-up in a handicap at Punchestown in early November, Xenophon, a 12-1 chance, was produced fit and well to romp to a two-length victory over the fast-finishing British raider Colourful Life (25-1) in the 130,000 context.
Camden Tanner (16-1) was three-quarters of a length back in third with Emotional Moment (11-1) fourth.
“You need luck in running and Mick (Fitzgerald) timed it well though I was a bit worried when he was on the inside three out with plenty of horses around him,” said winning trainer Tony Martin.
“This is a tough, hardy horse that I thought from day one would win a decent race or two for us.
“We had a hiccup with this horse after Punchestown and we had to forget about the Cheltenham meeting later in November.
“Once we got him right again we decided to wait for today’s race and I’m delighted for the members of the Lane Syndicate who have had a couple of horses with me.”
Mick Fitzgerald had never previously won this valuable affair and when asked if things had gone according to plan he replied: “It always does when you win.”
Martin banked on Xenophon’s finishing pace and he was not disappointed.
He said: “I knew if Mick could have him within about five lengths of the lead turning for home he would run right to the line. He possibly got to Camden Tanner a fraction early, but I’m not complaining.”
Martin will keep Xenophon going over hurdles for the rest of the season, but envisages the son of Toulon making his mark over fences.
“He goes chasing next season and has already popped a fence well at home,” he added.
Tony Dobbin reported that the Mary Reveley-trained Colourful Life was only getting into top gear when the race was over, but was making no excuses after seeing Fitzgerald pounce on the winner approaching the final flight where a good jump that sealed the issue.
The winner’s prize of 78,650 attracted a field of 28 and fourth-placed Emotional Moment did not enjoy a trouble-free run.
Emotional Moment is set to seek compensation in the Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury next month according to trainer Tom Taaffe.
Mrs Reveley’s other challenger, Whistling Dixie, finished 17th.
Youlneverwalkalone, who was third to Fondmort at Cheltenham last month in the Tripleprint Gold Cup, got back on the winning trail in the Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase to the relief of trainer Christy Roche.
Travelling strongly and jumping well in the hands of his new partner Barry Geraghty the J P McManus-owned 7-2 chance quickened after the final fence to deny the gallant top weight Foxchapel King by a length.
“I’m delighted that he has won a decent prize like this and relieved after my horses were off colour for the past week or two,” said Roche.
“We just had five horses cantering this past week and he was one of them, so I hope the others scope clean as well after they go back into work in the next few days.
“This horse has been called a lot of names, not many of them nice, but I wouldn’t mind a few more with his talent. This was a great opportunity and I’m glad he was able to take it,” added trainer Roche, who will enter the horse in a couple of handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival.
Another British-based Irish rider, Davy Russell, who was on board Camden Tanner, had better luck an hour earlier as the 25-1 outsider Ten Poundsworth took the Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Novice Chase for Northern trainer George Stewart.
Previously a leading hunter-chaser, Ten Poundsworth travelled well and jumped accurately for Russell to beat Ground Ball and the recent course winner Be My Belle by two lengths and a neck.
Timmy Murphy who likewise made the trip from England to the Dublin track was also among the winners as High Cloy proved too quick for the favourite Native Jack in the closing stages of the conditions hurdle for the Michael Hourigan stable.
Given a 25-1 quote by Cashmans for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, High Cloy was following up his maiden success over timber as he showed his appreciation for the better ground.
“This horse won a point-to-point on his first start last March and will come into his own over fences in time.
“But he goes to Cheltenham and should run a big race for us as he settled and jumped better today for Timmy and wants even better ground to be fully effective,” said Hourigan.
