Teeming Rain swoops late to douse Sweet Kiln’s fire
Sweet Kiln, who has been on the go all season, retains her form and enthusiasm remarkably well and her bold, front-running tactics looked like succeeding for much of the journey.
She still held the call at the last but Teeming Rain, who was ridden along a fair way out by David Casey, produced a devastating turn of foot to grab the mare in the final stride.
Commented trainer, Charlie Swan: “I’m delighted with him, he’s a tough sort. It must have been a shock to his system to run on such good ground.
“I didn’t fancy him when it dried out and he was only running for the experience. We will look at Fairyhouse and Punchestown, but it won’t be either place on quick ground. He will go chasing next season.”
Unlucky horse of the contest was Captain Sunshine, who was in second spot and travelling well when falling four out. Unfortunately, he broke his back and had to be put down.
The rest of the day largely belonged to Ruby Walsh, who completed a splendid treble, taking his tally for the campaign in Ireland to 99.
Desert Island, third at Leopardstown on Sunday, stripped fit and fresh and easily took the Thurles Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.
Given a very positive drive by Walsh, the grey always had the front-running Where’s Eddie in his sights.
The winner flew the third last, landed in front and made the rest to score by three and a half lengths. “He will stay over hurdles for the moment”, reported trainer, Peter Casey.
Walsh and Casey were on the mark as well with lightly-raced Charlies First in the Baby Beef Maiden Hurdle.
Again, he raced on the pace throughout, forging ahead off the home turn to beat Dev, whose turn may not be long delayed.
“He is a nice little horse and will now go for a winners’ race over a longer trip”, remarked Casey.
Walsh did the business as well aboard Willie Mullins’ Mossy Green in the Cashel Fine Art Chase.
Mossy Green swept past John James five from home and made the rest, quickly scampering away from Alcapone to win unextended by 12 lengths.
Commented Mullins: “I bought a new blood-machine recently and tested him this morning. I showed the results to the vet and he wasn’t impressed. He said not to run, but the horse was in good form at home and I took a chance. He will head to Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”
Ruby’s 20-year-old sister, Katie, rode her fourth winner with a stylish display on Avoca Mist, landing a double for Mullins in the process, in the Bumper.
The daughter of Luso shot away off the final bend and well-backed market leader, Hardwick, was never going to reel her in.
“She is a half-sister to Boneyarrow and is a nice prospect for stud”, said Mullins.
Darby Wall, who has threatened to win over fences for a while, found the opposition to his liking in the Broadway Flyer At Greentree Stud EBF Beginners Chase.
Confidently handled by Andrew McNamara, Enda Bolger’s charge powered away from the flattering Skibb after the second last to score with plenty in hand.
It was the 30th success of McNamara’s career and he has now had his claim reduced from 5lbs to 3lbs.
Tom Hogan’s Mags Benefit took the Prime Beef Handicap Hurdle by a wide margin, after being left clear when Dorneys Well, who looked held in any case, toppled over at the penultimate flight.
