Geraghty’s decision to head south pays dividends
Fears regarding the current well-being of Dessie Hughes’ charges saw Hardy Duckett drift out to an amazing 5-4 for the Shreelawn Oil Hurdle.
Plenty of punters took their courage in their hands, however, and he was thumped into 4-6. He duly did the business, under a vintage Geraghty drive.
Geraghty went on heading to the home turn and kept Hardy Duckett right up to his work in the straight to resist Pacolet. The winner is owned by Laurence Byrne, whose colours were made famous by Hardy Eustace, successful in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Geraghty was positively brilliant aboard Henry de Bromhead’s Whatareyouhaving in the featured Murphy’s Handicap Hurdle.
The eight-year-old made a lot of the running and fought back in tremendous style to regain the lead from Liberty Flag going to the last and score by a hard-earned neck.
“He seems to be improving all the time and would be better over three miles”, commented de Bromhead.
“He broke down here two years ago and we fired him. Because of his legs he will stay hurdling.”
Geraghty rounded off an excellent day at the office when partnering top weight Victor Boy to win the T J Hegarty Handicap Chase.
He was again superb on Gerry Keane’s gelding, who is a tricky customer and takes plenty of knowing.
Typically, the pilot got it spot on, producing him to lead two out before scampering clear of the always prominent Runfar.
David Wachman had mixed emotions after his Cane Brake had landed the Irish Stallion Farms’ Novice Chase.
He also saddled Best Mate’s half-brother, Inexorable, who fell at the first, broke his back and had to be put down. “That racing”, said Wachman ruefully.
Cane Brake did his job nicely, powering ahead going to the second last for Shay Barry to easily beat long-timer leader, Dizzy’s Dream.
Said Wachman: “He needs a trip and two and a half round here is plenty short enough for him.”
Heavily-backed market leader, Strike Back, was disappointing. He didn’t impress with his jumping and had no more to offer from early in the straight.
Mouse Morris’ Baily Breeze battled like a lion to land the O’Flynn Construction Maiden Hurdle.
Mansefield looked the likely winner for most of the straight, but Michael Darcy conjured a late spurt from Baily Breeze to score by a length.
“He is crying out for a fence and a trip”, reported Morris, who was also on the mark with Fota Island at Navan.
The Pat O’Connor trained Mandm streaked away with the Bumper, scoring unchallenged by a whopping 25 lengths.
Richard Harding eased him to the front approaching the home turn and it was soon the proverbial procession.
“He’s won two point-to-points and will probably go novice chasing now”, said O’Connor.
Keith Hadnett gave Whereareyanow a very patient drive to take a moderate opener, the INH Stallion Owners’ Maiden Hurdle.
Kefaaf edged ahead three out, but Whereareyanow came there cruising to lead over the final flight and then stretch away to score by a cosy two lengths.
