Sweet-jumping Garvivonnian has Aintree in his sights
It was the first major win for his 21 year-old pilot, Martin Ferris, who comes from Mallow. He was enjoying a ninth career victory, five since turning professional.
It was a game performance on the part of the sweet-jumping Garvivonnian, carrying the colours of Angela Long from Curragh Chase near Adare, who certainly appeared to have his share of weight off 11-9.
But, undeterred, there were punters who thought he held an outstanding chance and a couple of intrepid layers had to wipe 20-1 from their boards. Garvivonnian was returned at 12-1.
Ferris went for glory at the fourth last - the second last was omitted - and Garvivonnian kept up a strong gallop all the way up the straight.
Star Clipper soon emerged as the only danger, but the tough nine-year-old showed all the right qualities in the closing stages to score by six lengths.
“He will now go to Navan for the Troytown Chase and we have Aintree in mind”, confirmed Mitchell.
For the trainer it was the biggest victory he has had since Seeandem, ridden by ‘Shorty’ Leech, won the Kerry National at Listowel in 1987.
The Eoin Griffin trained Don’t Be Bitin justified favouritism with a decent effort to take the Pierse Civil Engineering three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
Ruby Walsh had him racing near the front throughout, easing into the lead over the fourth last. The winner hit the final three flights, but it made no difference and he crossed the line an impressive ten lengths to the good.
“It wasn’t the greatest race in the world, but he did it well”, remarked Griffin realistically. “He will now go for a Grade Three at Fairyhouse and we will have a better idea then.”
Walsh completed a quick double, although, having a decent slice of luck on his side, on Asian Maze in the Pierse Contracting Ltd INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle.
Asian Maze tried to make all, but looked beaten when headed two from home by market leader, Mac Three.
She’s game and durable, however, and immediately started to fight back. Asian Maze was still a length behind at the final flight, though, when Mac Three took a crashing fall.
The market leader was on the ground for a long time, but eventually got to his feet while rider, Denis O’Regan, was relatively unscathed, but stood down for the rest of the day.
Master Albert, having a first outing over flights and a first since finishing third to Total Enjoyment at Cheltenham in March, took the Pierse Shearwater INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Backed from 2-1 to 6-4 favourite, he finished with a flourish for J P Magnier to get well on top of Cash and Carry, in front before two out, the last was omitted, on the run in.
“He’s not a slow horse, but wants a strong gallop over two miles”, said trainer, David Wachman. “I hope he will improve for this and will now go for a novice hurdle.”
Danny Howard, who got a fall from Cill Aodain in this contest, was removed to hospital with suspected hip injuries.
Howard was replaced on Arc En Ciel in the Pierse Munster Handicap Hurdle by Paul Cashman, while David Flannery stood in for Timmy Murphy, suffering from back pain, on Maverick Dancer.
The pair fought out the finish with Maverick Dancer just getting the best of the battle on the flat to score by a short head.
For Flannery (21) from Tipperary town, it was a third winner. “He’s a tough little horse, who will go for another handicap”, said trainer, Michael Hourigan.
If Cashman was out of luck then he made no mistake on another chance ride - Friend’s Amigo - in the Pierse Development (Cork) EBF Beginners Chase.
Friend’s Amgo was originally to be partnered by Davy Russell, but he was stood down for 48 hours at Down Royal on Saturday. Russell was then replaced by Timmy Murphy.
Cashman gave Friend’s Amigo, owned by the six-member, all from Cork, Absent Friends’ Syndicate a dashing drive, making most of the running to beat Lonesome Day.
“He’s quirky with a good engine”, commented trainer, Pat Doyle. “I’m not getting carried away, but am sure there’s a big one in him!”
Tom Hogan’s Mags Benefit, ridden by Eddie Power, shot away early in the straight to take the Bumper by a street.
