Two wins the perfect beginning
Practically every man, woman and child at the track yesterday had a bet on Back In Front sending a clear message that the Irish mean business.
And when Ruby Walsh followed suit with a cracker on Azertyuiop, the crowd went wild. He may as well have been an Irish winner, so much Irish money was wagered on him. To top it off Youllneverwalkalone romped home.
All of a sudden, the cold winds stopped blowing and the sun shone on the Irish as they spilled around the winners’ enclosure again.
Among those totting up his winnings was Vinnie Jones, who showed he’s as a good judge of horses as he is of greyhounds.
“I had a monkey (£500) on Back In Front. It was a great win,” he said as he licked his docket and stuck it to his forehead.
The Hollywood hardman looked dapper in his crushed velvet jacket and gold tie. He sipped champagne with good friend, Pat Curtin. Jones has a half share in the promising greyhound, Smoking Pat with Curtin, a well- known publican from Miltown Malbay, in Co Clare.
“Vinnie had £500 on him. I had £1,000 on him. It’s a truly perfect start,” the Clare publican added.
Champagne Charlie McCreevy was also toasting his good fortune. He too had backed Best Mate. And he followed through with a win in the second race.
He has tipped Coolnagorna in today’s first race. “I know the owner, Dermot Cox, I’ve been watching the horse for a long time and I reckon he’s as good as a banker. He’s my nap for the festival.
“It’s not easy winning here but aren’t we here and we’re all alive. I’ll have a good punt on Coolnagorna but I wouldn’t wager the national purse.”
Agriculture Minister, Joe Walsh, also had a winner in the first and second. He fancied Pizzaro in the first today, Keen Leader in the second and Moscow Flyer in the third.
Cork-born bookmakers and sisters Harriet and Margo Ann Murphy, were revelling in a great start to the festival.
“It’s virtually impossible to tip something here. But I really fancy Best Mate,” Margo Ann, a bookmaker in Macroom said. "You can’t throw a stone here without hitting the famous or infamous. The bulk of the country’s top bookmakers are staying in the Cheltenham Park Hotel. Former commentator,
Peter O’Sullivan, is in good company in the Lygon Arms joined by JP McManus, Dermot Desmond and Sue Magnier.
Finally those who want a reminder of the festival can invest in portraits of the many great racehorses which are selling like hot cakes from £450 upwards. Thanks but no thanks.
