Mr Wong gets it right once again
The Be My Native gelding is now a six-year-old, but proved much too good for fellow older horses and the three-year-old’s as well.
Partnered with real confidence by Fran Berry, Mr Wong was always travelling sweetly on the heels of the leaders.
Berry eased him ahead with over a furlong to run and Mr Wong never flinched, as he crosssed the line a comfortable two and a half lengths to the good over Striking Pose.
Said Harrington: “As long as the ground stays like this we will keep going with him.
“He’s like a horse with two flat wheels on soft ground. Whether he goes for another flat race or a hurdle next depends on the handicapper.’’
Irene Oakes’ Avoir du Crann, who performed nicely first time up over flights at Tralee, justified favouritism in the Stakelum Office Supplies three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
Barry Cash was in no hurry, but there was only going to be one winner once the market leader stormed ahead before the second last.
Said Oakes: “He usually wore blinkers on the flat, but I left them off at Tralee.
“He looked at everything and I put them back on here. I’m delighted for Barry, who is my new brother-in-law, having married my sister, Marian, three months ago. If this horse is okay he will run on the flat at Killarney.’’
Willie Mullins’ Macs Valley outclassed a gallant Fey Macha to win the William Fry Solicitors’ Novice Hurdle.
Fey Macha went on with a mile to run, but Ruby Walsh bided his time until easing the winner ahead between the last two flights.
Said Mullins: “I was a bit worried he wouldn’t get the trip. He will go to Listowel now, as long as the ground stays on top, for either a novice hurdle or a winners of one on the flat.’’
Dariole put up a smashing performance to defy top weight in the Sponsor A Race at Tipperary Handicap Hurdle.
Lord Edwards Army edged on going to the second last, but Adrian Lane brought Dariole through to collar the leader at the final flight and then drove him out for a half a length win.
This was the capable Lane’s 15th winner and he now has had his claim reduced to 5lbs.
Commented trainer, Michael Halford: “This fellow has been a marvellous servant and never gives any bother. He will proabably go to Lisotwel now.’’
Big talking point in the opening Stars Of Tomorrow EBF Maiden was the performance of John Oxx’s newcomer, Legacy.
He was easy to back in the market and came from well off the pace to finish a nearest at the finish third.
You wouldn’t need the brain-power of Einstein to work out he might be hard to beat next time!
Victory went to the Charles O’Brien trained Vettriano, who stayed on doggedly through the final furlong to grab the front running Triton Dance.
Kevin Prendergast continued his terrific season with his juveniles when Jakarta Jade won the Ballykisteen EBF Maiden.
She was a bit disappointing at Tralee previously, but was best for money in the ring.
Declan McDonogh had her in front two furlongs down and Jakarta Jade stayed on strongly to beat a pair of useful newcomers, Kiteflyer and Kirov King.
Timmy Houlihan produced 16-1 shot Monalee Lass with a sweeping challenge inside the furlong pole to take the first division of the Stone Thrower Handicap. Pat Martin’s mare paid a massive 90-1 on the Tote.
The second section was a similar scenario, with 25-1 shot Trigolden, trained by Philip Rothwell, flying through late to beat Sticky Sweetheart a length.
