Joy for TC as The Premier Cat licks opposition
Partnered by Barry Geraghty, with regular pilot, Shay Barry, suspended, The Premier Cat did it the hard way, from the front. Ollar Rose kept him company, until Geraghty started the long surge for the judge with a little under a circuit to cover. Michael Mor flashed up to head the leader approaching the home turn, but Geraghty had saved plenty and The Premier Cat was back in front at the penultimate obstacle.
Ross Moff, 6-4 from 2-1, travelled sweetly through the race and he ranged up as a big danger going at the final fence. But Ross Moff was quickly off the bridle, and about half a length down, when crashing here, leaving the winner, who would almost certainly have scored anyway, clear.
Said Cahill: “He was held up after Christmas and that’s why he got beaten at Naas last time. He will go to Navan now on Sunday week for a three mile novice ’chase.”
It was the fourth occasion The Premier Cat has won at Clonmel and, indeed, he’s never won anywhere else.
When the Paul Lenihan trained mare, Megsie Here, is at the top of her game she’s a very useful sort and the daughter of Bob’s Return proved far too good for her rivals in the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters’ Club Novice Hurdle.
Confidently handled hy Derek O’Connor. Megsie Here cruised into the lead between the last two flights to easily beat Native Ride and Azur Tonic.
Said Lenihan: “She just loves Clonmel and this is the third time she’s won at the track. We gave her a break, after disappointing at Thurles, and she goes well fresh. The plan is to get some black type.”
A major gamble went astray on the Pat Doyle trained Don’t Call Me John in the opening Fethard Maiden Hurdle. He was taken from as high as 6-1 in the morning and opened 6-4 on the track. That found favour as well and he hardened to 5-4, before being returned at 11-8.
Don’t Call Me John tracked the leaders and was produced to hold every chance early in the straight by Ruby Walsh. He found little for pressure, however, and was beaten two out. Killenard led here, but Frances Crowley’s Permiya, capably handled by John Allen, powered past before the last to score by four lengths.
It was 18-year-old Allen’s first winner and he comes from Kilworth, Co Cork.
Matthew Bowes (21), from Galway, rode his second winner aboard Theicecreamman, who delivered in style in the Killaloan Maiden Hurdle. The Glacial Storm gelding went on over the third last and was always in control, once shaking off the flattering All Over Now two out.
Main talking point was the performance of Air Marshall, a drifer from 9-4 to 3-1. A Group Two success-story on the level and second to Millenary in the Doncaster Leger of 2000, he was returning from a break of some 21 months. Travelling nicely for much of the journey, Air Marshall began to lost contact with the leaders from the third last. But he finished like the proverbial train to dead-heat for fourth spot with Anniesthyne.
“We’ve been waiting a long time,” exclaimed Clonoulty, Co Tippery permit holder Stanley Ryan after his Golden Domer had spreadeagled his field in the Post House Handicap Hurdle. Enterprisingly handled by Willie Slattery, Golden Domer led after the fourth obstacle and never saw another opponent to score by ten lengths.
Ryan, who has just two horses in his care, was enjoying his first winner since 1986.
Jamie Codd gave Champagne Ronnie a delightful drive to land the Bumper. He is a horse who has to be held for a late run and Codd was in no hurry. He brought Billy Flavin’s charge with a smooth challenge to lead over a furlong down and beat well-touted market leader, Field Marshall, cosily.
“Jamie gave him a great ride and kept out for the good ground,” said Flavin. “This fellow should make a nice ’chaser.”
Enda Bolger’s Shackleton, carrying the colours of J P McManus for the first time, justified favouritism with an easy victory in the Killeens Hunters ’Chase. John Thomas McNamara eased this sweet-jumper ahead three from home and Shackleton galloped on to beat Arctic Times a dozen lengths.
“I doubt he will go to Cheltenham and is likely to head for Fairyhouse next”, said Bolger. “The Punchestown Festival could be a target for him.”
