Banasan a National treasure for Walsh and O'Brien
“That was a surprise, big-time”, reported Walsh. “I didn’t think he would handle the ground, but Mr O’Brien was very sweet on his chances. He jumped super and stayed really well.”
Barrow Drive, what a cracking race he ran on his reappearance under 12-0, dashed to the front at the third last for Jim Culloty. By now, however, Walsh had Banasan in full flow and he landed in front over the second last.
Fatherofthebide, taken into the lead with a circuit to cover, rallied well in the straight to claim second spot, but it was all Banasan from the final fence.
Assistant trainer and stable amateur, Denis Cullen, represented O’Brien. He said: “That was brilliant, he has been very, very sweet in himself of late.
“After disappointing over hurdles the last day (Down Royal), he came back with some mucus. But in the last few days has been jumping out of his skin, which is unusual for this particular horse.
“There was a doubt about him on the ground. We’ll see what’s available, but he might have earned a break.”
Banasan’s owner, Seam Mulryan from Kildare, failed to get to the course. He was making the journey by helicopter and got to within two miles of the track. But, because of cloud and fog, the chopper had to turn back.
John Cullen, who got a fall from Broadstone Road, was stood down until Sunday, having had to have three stiches inserted in an elbow.
Favourite, The Culdee, never threatened to get competitive and was way out of contention when falling at the final fence.
Dangerousdanmagru, trained by the colourful Noel Glynn and second to Windsor Boy here on Sunday, went one better with a clear-cut victory in the Seamus Mulvaney Handicap Chase.
Backed from 11-4 to 2-1 favourite, he was given a very polished drive by the highly promising 7lbs claimer, Tom Ryan.
Dangerousdanmagru swept into the lead after the third last and it was bar a fall over the final two.
“That was badly wanted, I thought I’d never train a winner”, said Glynn. “I am going home now for a cup of tea and a current bun!”
No Half Session beat Hickory Hill a length in the Betfair Maiden Hurdle, but it was no indication of his superiority, as he scored with ridiculous authority.
Paul Carberry let out just an inch of rein coming away from the second last and Noel Meade’s gelding eased into the lead.
Hickory Hill was soon giving chase and stuck to his task. But Carberry didn’t move a muscle on the run-in and the winner hardly knew he’d been in a race.
Petertheknot, who arrived with a fair reputation, was a costly failure. He was backed from 7-4 to 5-4 and travelled and jumped well through the contest.
But from three out, he was running up and down on the one spot, trailing in a well beaten fifth.
There was little doubt Domnul Admiral was the best horse in the Schering-Plough Animal Health Veterinary Novice hurdle, but the fact he was untried on the surface saw Master Ofthe Chase go off market leader in front of him.
On the track, however, it was no contest, as Domnul Admiral totally outpointed his rival to the tune of 25 lengths.
Master Ofthe Chase tried to make all, but the winner went past two out and soon scampered right away.
Commented his Curragh handler, Ken Condon: “I am delighted with that. Barry (Geraghty) said he hated the ground.
“I now have a two and a half mile novice hurdle at the Cheltenham November meeting in mind for him.”
Punters had a bad start when heavily-backed Valentina Guest failed to deliver in the Patsy Byrne Race.
She was taken from a little 6-4 to 9-10 and held every chance when Fran Berry produced her to lead early in the straight.
But she was soon in trouble and eventual winner Akarem, capably handled by Christy Geoghegan, eased past to score going away from Mount Grace.
Geoghegan is 18 years-of-age and this was his ninth success of the campaign and his 12th overall.
Summer Magic, absent since finishing last of 13 behind Eye Candy at Naas in July, took the Ballygarry House Hotel Handicap.
The winner battled on dourly through the ground in the closing stages to wear down the flattering Rockazar.
Summer Magic is trained by Tim Doyle and partnered by Cathy Gannon, who also combined to score with Peineve on Tuesday.
Cupid’s Bow, backed at 6-1 in the morning and a strong favourite on track, did the business in the Tom Browne Memorial Handicap.
She was given a fine drive by Fran Berry, who brought her from mid-division to power into the lead inside the furlong pole. It was the 51st of the campaign for Berry.
The Bumper was won in fine style by John Murphy’s Try Catch Paddy, giving pilot, 21-year-old Ruairi Tierney from Kinsale, a seventh victory.
Betting with the bookmakers was down yesterday from a year ago, eight races both times, from €1,760,927 to €1,557,449.
