Heatseeker makes it two from two in good style
He got up close home to score at Naas, but has clearly come on plenty for that and this was a good effort.
He came cantering off the final bend, as Hitchcock made the best of his way home. The winner led over a furlong out, but was quickly challenged by Michael Kinane and Violani.
Wayne Lordan had saved plenty, though, and Heatseeker was well on top in the closing stages. Said Wachman: “He did it well, that was a Listed race in all but name. We will probably aim for the Futurity now, racing will make him grow up.”
The father and son combination of Rodger and Colman Sweeney combined to win the South Tipperary Hospice Maiden Hurdle with 14-1 shot House Of Blues.
Formerly trained by Jamie Osborne, it was a brave effort on the part of the Grand Lodge gelding. Charlottine looked all over a winner when hitting the front between the last two flights.
But House Of Blues hit back strongly on the flat, outbattling his rival to score by a length.
!I had a little on each-way, but am a bit surprised he's won to tell you the truth”, said Rodger Sweeney.
“It was badly needed to keep the pot boiling, these days don't come too often for the small fellow!”
Sister Sox won her third race at this track when proving far too good for the opposition in the Oversway Handicap.
She travelled sweetly throughout for Rory Cleary, easing to the front over a furlong down to beat Miss Isabela a length.
Commented trainer, Michael Halford: “She likes it here. The rain came just in time, she is much happier when getting her toe in. We will try to get some black type before the year is out.”
Austin Leahy described the victory of Lake Millstatt as “very satisfying”, after she defied advancing years in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.
The ten-year-old, landing her eighth race in 78 tries, was brought with a sweeping run towards the outside in the straight to lead inside the furlong pole and beat Tango Step by two lengths. It was a third success for Carey.
Said Leahy: “She has now won over €100,000 and will run next in a claimer at Ballinrobe next Monday.”
Fifth placed Sir Drinksalot collapsed and died after the finishing line.
King Of Foxrock, often disappointing when held up, found a change of tactics to his liking in the Caribbean Night Novice Hurdle.
He made every yard of the running for Paul Carberry, totally outclassing some moderate rivals.
King Of Foxrock, however, pulled up very lame, was dismounted on the track and removed in the horse ambulance. The early prognosis was that he had cracked a bone in his joint.
Tim Doyle's Shannon Mist landed a little touch in the Bumper. Backed from 10-1 to 6's, she came late and fast to beat Benroseowen and Professor Hegarty.
Said Doyle: “She was a big, weak mare last year, so we gave her time and she is now much stronger. A winners' bumper will be next.”
Professor Hegarty was backed from 4-5 to 4-7 and almost slipped over six furlongs out. He did, however, arrive cruising early in the straight.
His rider, however, then decided to relax and while he was doing that others were going about their business.
The Ashtown Median Auction Maiden looked a moderate contest, but that will hardly have worried winning trainer, Andy Slattery.
His Oceans Pip gave him his first ever success with a juvenile, the only one he has in training.
The daughter of Blue Ocean was partnered by Michael Hussey and led with over a furlong to go to beat the newcomer, Fancy.
