Mossbank setback one of three quick reverses for Hourigan
Firstly, he watched Beef Or Salmon run a gallant race in defeat in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, then saw Mossbank lose his unbeaten tag over flights in the Eagle Star EBF Novice Hurdle at Cork and finally his Kerryhead Windfarm went down narrowly to Slim Pickings at Punchestown.
Mossbank had looked a star in the making at Limerick and Fairyhouse previously, but was outgunned by Charles Byrnes' Laetitia in the closing stages. The odds-on chance led coming away from the third last, but never looked like surging clear, as Davy Russell produced the winner from way off the pace.
Laetitia mastered Mossbank between the final two flights, but then stumbled slightly at the back of the last.
But she picked up in fine style for Russell and was always holding Mossbank on the flat.
Said Byrnes: “We had minor doubts about the trip, that's why we dropped her out. I have no plans, but she is noticeably better going right-handed, although we will try her left-handed at some stage.”
Russell completed a double when giving Charlie Swan's Kit Carson a dashing drive to take the INH Stallion Owners' EBF Maiden Hurdle.
The Dr Massini gelding moved clear away from the third last and Lakil House, evens to 4-6, could never get in any sort of blow.
“He's a lovely horse, but things just haven't gone right for him”, reported Swan. “He will probably run next in a little winners of one.”
Odds-on punters had a disastrous start when Alpha Royale failed to justify a price of 1-4 in the Mallow Hurdle. And there were no excuses either, as he was comprehensively outpointed by Pom Flyer, who led three out.
Fran Flood represented his father, Francis, and said: “I'd imagine the second horse wasn't at his best, having run a week earlier. Our lad has lots of pace and will have to get an entry in the Pierse Hurdle now.”
Mouse Morris' former pointer Rockview Lad looked a nice sort in the making when winning the Newmarket Maiden Hurdle.
Yet another carrying the War Of Attrition colours of Gigginstown House Stud, Rockview Lad beat Optimus Prime a comfortable length and a half after being asked to do just enough by Conor O'Dwyer. “He's a lovely type and will make a nice horse next season”, said Morris.
Robbie McNamara (17), who is still a student - he's in sixth year - rode his first winner over jumps aboard Lala Nova in the Eagle Star Handicap Hurdle. It was a third on the track for the youngster, the other two successes coming in bumpers. McNamara powered the mare ahead well before the straight and didn't have to be in any way hard on her to beat Lagudin.
John Kiely's newcomer Crackin' Liss, a half-sister to Blazing Liss and Liss A Paoraigh, came late and fast up the stands side for Paul Cashman to grab the Bumper going away by three lengths.
