Hidden Genius too smart for rivals
The ground was very testing and Barry, wisely, was in no hurry to make his move.
Hidden Genius was always tracking the leaders and had this in safe keeping once allowed lead over the second last. Crowley was represented by her father, Joe, who said: “Where he goes next depends on Noel O’Brien (handicapper), he wouldn’t want to be too hard on him!”
Native Design went off a well supported favourite for the Saltan Properties Novice Hurdle, but proved no match for the Barry Geraghty partnered Uncle Murt.
The winner made most of the running, but looked to have a fight on his hands when the market leaded cruised up to challenge at the second last.
Geraghty had saved plenty, however, and Uncle Murt quickly stretched away again to score unextended by 13 lengths.
The Commanche Run gelding is trained at Clonakilty by Thomas O’Leary and is owned by the four-member Puca Syndicate from Bantry and Castletownbere.
Pat Flynn’s Charmante Femme, who made no show behind Mellowthemoonlight on this track previously, reversed the placings when taking the Saltan Properties Lady Riders’ Handicap Hurdle.
Flynn’s horses have been struggling to hit any sort of form and he said: “I knew she was as a fit as a flea and we have been very lucky in ladies races in the past.”
Charmante Femme went on starting out for the final time, but had dropped back to fourth two from home, as Alpha Eight and Mellowthemoonlight fought it out up front.
But Charmante Femme soon found her second wind and swept past the pair after the last to score going away.
It was a second success for rider Elizabeth Lalor, who celebrates her 20th birthday tomorrow.
John Joe Walsh’s Connemara Mist, now an eight-year-old, won his first ever race when landing the Saltan Properties Handicap Chase. He and Clawick Connection dominated from the start, with the winner hitting the front two out and then slogging his way to a three and a half lengths victory.
“He’s a tough horse and might win another one”, said Walsh. “Keith (Hadnett) gave him a cracking ride, he did exactly what he was told.”
The consistent Garvivonnian left a bout of seconditis behind when proving too strong for favourite Say Again in the Saltan Properties Beginners Chase.
Tommy Treacy powered the winner ahead coming away from three out and Say Again, the Galway Hurdle winner, was a poor sixth at this stage.
Say Again soon coasted into contention but Garvivonnian pulled out plenty for Tommy Treacy pressure and held the favourite by half a length.
The under-rated Denis Cullen gave the Michael O’Brien trained Commonchero a delightful drive to win the Bumper. Cullen produced him with impeccable timing well inside the final furlong to grab flattering favourite, Rob The Five, as the post rapidly approached.
Tommy Carberry and his son, Philip, enjoyed a welcome turn when Jerry’s Pay Day landed the Saltan Properties Handicap Hurdle.
Jerry’s Pay Day went to the front over the third last and had no problem skipping clear of Aghacashel Angel from the next.
