Common Venture swoops to upset favourite backers
Seven-year-old Common Venture, trained by Tom McCourt, upset favourite backers in the Oates Auctioneers Handicap when turning over 1/2 shot Helensburgh, which was attempting to defy a 5lb penalty incurred at Galway last week.
The favourite looked set for victory when driven into the lead by Declan McDonogh early in the straight but had no answer when McCullagh produced Common Venture to lead inside the final furlong and record a convincing two lengths victory.
McCullagh completed his double when John Brophy’s well bred filly Hasainm landed the O’Gara Royal Hotel Maiden.
Trained by Tom Mullins, this four-year-old filly took command inside the final furlong to beat Sancia by a half length with odds-on favourite Striking Force in fourth place having overcome a tardy start to hold every chance in the closing stages.
Earlier Striking Force’s connections, trainer Dermot Weld, stable jockey Pat Smullen and the Moyglare Stud Farm enjoyed better luck when Jubilant Note gained an overdue success, making all the running to win the Lynam Merit Maiden.
Ruby Walsh was seen at his confident best when producing the Joe Crowley-trained Peruvian Athlete to win the Michael Holland Tyres Handicap Chase at the expense of Runfar.
In the absence of Tarn Ridge, top weight Annshoon was the medium of a substantial gamble, being backed from 4/1 to 2/1, but dropped out of contention with four fences to jump.
Peruvian Athlete headed Runfar between the last two fences and looked poised for a comfortable success before Joey Elliot rallied Runfar and in a tight finish, Walsh’s mount prevailed by a head.
Barry Geraghty delayed his challenge until the final fence before driving odds-on favourite Short and Sweet clear to beat Teknash in the Ulster Bank Beginners Chase.
Trainer Ger Lyons dominated the Railway Bar Maiden Hurdle, the first event of it’s type for three-year-olds this season. The well-backed Packie Tam looked an assured winner from the home turn and was still three lengths clear when making a slight mistake at the final flight. But his stable companion Raintown, ridden by Shane McCann quickened well on the run-in, finishing strongly to snatch the spoils close home.
