O’Connor off mark Beale Hill sweeps home in Bumper
O’Connor, 32, has 15 horses in his care and is based at Asdee, near Ballybunnion, Co Kerry. Beale Hill was partnered by his brother, Donal.
Market leader Shuil Mavourneen flattered heading to the two furlong pole, but the winner soon swept past and was a comfortable two and a half lengths to the good at the line.
Commented O’Connor: “I think he’s a right good horse, I was just praying it would keep raining all day.”
Shuil Mavourneen collapsed shortly after the line, but soon after was back on her feet and relatively unscathed.
Jim Bolger’s La Bayadere reaped the reward of consistency when spreadeagling her rivals to take the Glen Maiden. You could argue that first time blinkers did the trick, but a more likely explanation for her clear-cut success was the ease in the ground.
The incessant rain all morning ensured that the daughter of Sadler’s Wells had conditions very much to suit. Kevin Manning soon had her racing at the front and he allowed her stride on after a couple of furlongs. La Bayadere forged away heading to the home turn and crossed the line an unflattering 15 lengths to the good over Landira.
Christy Roche’s Risk Accessor toyed with only rival Splendour in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF ’Chase. J P McManus’ gelding tended to run free and Conor O’Dwyer allowed him stride on with well over a circuit to travel.
Mistakes seven from home and at the third last didn’t help Splendour’s cause and O’Dwyer had to ask for very little from his mount in the closing stages
“It is very likely he will now go to the Paddy power meeting at Cheltenham”, reported Roche.
Irish Tzar was all the rage in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle, finding 4-9 from 4-7. He duly won by seven lengths, but this was a dreadful contest and trainer, Jessica Harrington, will do well to add to these gains.
The winner went on heading to the fifth last, but Geraghty never appeared particularly happy and kept Irish Tzar right up to his work.
Talented apprentice Billy Lee gave a very polished display on Michael Hourigan’s Near Dunleer to win the Holycross Handicap.
Near Dunleer is a mare who has to be held up for a late run and Lee carried out those tactics to perfection.
Baltray Queen cantered to the front off the home turn, but Lee produced his charge with impeccable timing to edge ahead inside the furlong pole and score by a snug half a length.
Pat Cosgrave struck a big blow in his efforts to be champion apprentice when taking the Munster Handicap on Port Natal.
The Pat Morris trained 12-1 shot powered home late to collar Kenny’s Pet, who looked sure to score for most of the straight.
It took Cosgrave’s tally for the campaign to 31, three clear of main rival, Cathy Gannon.
Freelance Stephen Ryder, who is 26-years-of-age, rode his seventh winner on Champagnesupernova in the Killinan Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
It was a confident performance as well, as Champagnesupernova made virtually all the running, holding Jac Nash, who was none too good two out, with a degree of ease on the run in.
