Lad 'better than ever'
Bowe, who is to all intents and purposes the trainer, although the licence is held by his father, James, worked his entire yard - all four of them - while Mullins and Crowley brought three horses to the course.
A quiet non-racing day in Kilkenny shouldn’t have produced much drama, but, unfortunately, it did with Cheltenham Gold Cup aspirant, Crowley’s Sackville, taking a fall and putting his immediate future in doubt.
Gowran has been re-developed at a cost of €6.5m. The magnificent grandstand, which extends over 44,000 square feet and cost €3.5m, will be in use for the first time for the big Thyestes meeting next Thursday.
Gowran also revealed that plans are well advanced to stage an all-hunter ’chase meeting, date to be confirmed, but likely to be in April, which will be sponsored by the Garryrichard Stud.
The remarkable Limestone Lad, needless to say, was the focus of most attention, as he went through his paces with the equally remarkable Michael Bowe aboard.
He worked upsides stable companion, Florida Coast, with Bowe later remarking: “They are the best of pals.”
Bowe expresssed himself “delighted” with Limestone Lad’s current condition. “He’s as strong as a bull and better than ever this year. I’m happier with him now than I have ever been. This was just what he needed, after the recent spell of frost.”
Limestone Lad and Florida Coast matched strides for over two miles on the flat and they were followed, at a respectable distance, by Solerina, and, as yet, an un-named Bowe inmate.
He would not be drawn on Limestone Lad’s immediate target.
“He could run in the AIG at Leopardstown on Sunday week, go to Naas the previous day or for a three mile conditions hurdle at Gowran.
“He’s a three mile horse, a dour stayer and shouldn’t have any chance in the AIG. If we do decide to run him in that race, I just hope it turns out right. We won’t make up our minds until much nearer the time.”
Brilliant novice Solerina is never allowed get into any sort of dog-fight with Limestone Lad and she was kept well adrift of him. She too is an AIG possibility, although the Deloitte and Touche Novice Hurdle, on the same Leopardstown programme, is surely a more likely option.
Commented Bowe: “She doesn’t take as much work as Limestone Lad and I just wanted to keep her sweet. “She’s in the AIG and the Deloitte and, like Limestone Lad, we will wait until nearer the time before making a decision.”
Florida Coast, who kept company with Limestone Lad throughout, although it was far from the swinging gallop we are used to seeing from Limestone Lad, runs at Fairyhouse on Sunday in a three mile maiden hurdle.
“He’s a horse we have always liked”, reported Bowe. “His problem has been that he found it hard to get from one side of a hurdle to the other.
“We think we have it ironed out and, if we have, he will run a big race.”
Willie Mullins worked three horses, Davenport Milenium (Jim Nash), Alexander Milenium (Jamie Codd) and Killultagh Storm (Sam Curling).
He confirmed Champion Hurdle third favourite Davenport Milenium is on target for the AIG. “I was happy with his work this morning and we will take him away for a good bit of work again next week.”
Alexander Milenium, set to make a belated seasonal debut at Fairyhouse on Sunday, where he will have his first pop over fences, jumped four, without mishap.
Said Mullins: “I was really delighted with him. He was novicey over the first two, but like a handicapper over the other two.”
News on Florida Pearl is that won’t be going anywhere this weekend after all, having scoped badly.
“He will just have light exercise for the next eight to ten days”, said Mullins.
The trainer revealed later that the Gold Cup is still likely to be Florida Pearl’s Festival target.
He said: “The plan is still the Gold Cup, but the Queen Mother Champion Chase is possible.
“He scoped with a bit of mucus and will have eight to 10 days off, but he should be fine after that. It’s a pity we didn’t get to run him this weekend over the shorter trip.”
Back in full training is Mullins’ Scolardy, who hasn’t been seen since landing the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March by 11 lengths.
He had tendon trouble after and the veterinary advice in the spring was that he would be out for the season. But Scolardy has made a much quicker recovery than anticipated and has been entered for the Champion Hurdle.
As well as Sackville, Frances Crowley also worked Moscow Express and bumper horse, Cloudland.
Moscow Express, who was ridden by Shay Barry, is being trained with the Kinloch Brae ’Chase at Thurles in mind and may have a pipe-opener at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
“He’s enjoyed a nice break and is in good order”, said Crowley. The promising Cloudland is likely to seen next at Gowran on Thyestes afternoon.
