Everything falls nicely into place for Jack High
The Ted Walsh-trained nine-year-old made stealthy headway from mid-division in the last mile before jumping into the lead at the fourth last fence. And, from that point, he galloped on relentlessly, never looking in danger, to slam Jaquouille and Golden Storm.
Walsh, who previously won the ‘Troytown’ with Roc De Prince, said: “He had a handy weight and everything fell into place for him. He has never jumped as well. Garrett gave him a great ride.”
And he added: “Jack High is Willie Rock’s horse from the bottom to the top. He only came to me after Willie died and his son Tim decided not to take out a licence. I won on his dam and his grand-dam for Willie. So it’s a special result in a lot of ways.”
“He ran well at Galway, but Garrett gave him a bad ride last week at Punchestown, getting himself too far out of his ground before staying on late. He’s not very big and today’s race suited him, with a low weight. I don’t think Leopardstown would suit him, so he’ll probably bypass the ‘Paddy Power’ and wait for the ‘Thyestes’ instead.”
Earlier, Sweet Kiln, owned and trained by James Bowe, notched her first success over hurdles when outpointing Petertheknot in the Grade 3 Tote Exacta Monksfield Novice Hurdle.
Having made the running under Garry Hutchinson, the triple bumper-winner looked beaten when she hit the second last flight, handing the initiative to Petertheknot.
But Conor O’Dwyer’s mount idled in front, allowing the mare to battle back. On the run-in the Bowe mare forged clear to triumph by three and a half lengths.
Michael Bowe, son of Sweet Kiln’s owner-trainer, declared: “She won a few friends today. That braveness is a rare quality in a horse. She’s a natural.” Bowe added: “I knew we were throwing her in at the deep end, having only her second run over hurdles. But I’ve always held her in high regard. She’s an exceptional mare.”
Sweet Kiln, whose stable-companion remains on course for Sunday’s ‘Hatton’s Grace’ at Fairyhouse, will probably be aimed at a novice hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting, although the Barry & Sandra Kelly Memorial Novice Hurdle over yesterday’s course and distance on December 12 looks a likely stepping-stone.
The Mouse Morris-trained Fota Island made his chasing breakthrough when justifying favouritism in the Beginners Chase, shaking off the attentions of Zum See for a facile win.
Frank Berry, Racing Manager to owner J P McManus, commented: “He has his own method of jumping. I’m just pleased he got that out of the way. He’s not a natural and needs experience. So we won’t be aiming too high with him. He’ll go for a ‘winners of one’ somewhere.”
Monsieur Monet made every yard of the running under Robert Widger to land the INH Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle for trainer Shane Donohoe who has Cheltenham hopes for the Seamus Ross-owned Norwich gelding.
“I think he’s a really good horse,” explained Donohoe, “I’ve certainly never had one like him. He has everything a good horse should have. A stronger gallop, better ground and a step-up to two and a half miles will be the making of him. He’ll go to Leopardstown over Christmas.”
Champion trainer Noel Meade, who had saddled five seconds over the weekend, sent punters home happy when well-backed second favourite Leading Run, a half-brother to classy chaser and stable-companion Strong Run, made a winning debut in the bumper.
