Workmanlike Swallow takes flight — just
He remains 6-1 with Ladbrokes, 9-2 with Paddy Power and 5-1, from 9-2, with Cashmans.
Dermot Weld described the performance as “workmanlike” and you couldn’t quibble with that assessment. Grey Swallow eventually beat Meath a head and Weld will, doubtless, have slept soundly last night.
Very much to the horse’s credit is the fact he was the recipient of a belt of Declan McDonogh’s whip, he rode third placed Amarula Ridge, when launching his challenge.
Meath set a decent pace, but was headed by Amarula Ridge with over a furlong to run. Smullen was content to sit in fourth place for much of the journey, but brought Grey Swallow through to track the two leaders approaching the furlong pole.
Amarula Ridge was the first to crack and Grey Swallow soon hit the front. Given real kid-glove treatment by Smullen in the closing stages, he got a few flicks of the whip, Grey Swallow ran on to just do enough.
Weld’s body language told it’s own story. He had agonised as to whether the horse should run, because of the testing conditions, but was clearly pleased he had allowed him take his chance and delighted with the display.
“Pat said he gave a big heave about a hundred yards out”, commented Weld. “I knew he would have to battle today and expect him to come on 10lbs.
“He will now go to Newmarket, whether the race will come too soon I don’t know. It hasn’t been easy training him for the last two weeks, with the weather we have had.
“Some of the two-year-olds have head colds. I’ve been very careful with this horse and he was clear.
“I walked the track before racing and decided to run, he needed a race. I am delighted I made that decision. The track was beautifully prepared and is an example to other courses.”
Earlier in the day Spencer, who is threatening to run away with the jockeys’ championship, gave Last Love a terrific ride to beat Michael Kinane on Hamairi in the Foxrock Maiden.
It was a real battle between the pair in the market, that went to Last Love as well, and on the track.
Last Love tried to make all, but Hamairi looked sure to score when edging ahead inside the furlong pole.
Hamairi was soon about half a length to the good, but Spencer conjured a tremendous burst from his charge to grab the advantage in the last stride.
Commented Aidan O’Brien: “She’s tough and a lovely filly. She will step up to stakes class now and we will have a look at the Irish 1000 Guineas.”
If Spencer was good on Last Love then he was even better aboard O’Brien’s Royal Tigress in the 1000 Guineas Trial.
There’s little doubt the daughter of Storm Cat would be far better suited by a sound surface, but Spencer persuaded and cajoled all the way up the straight to pop her head in front at the only place it matters.
Takrice got a dream run through on the inside to lead with less than furlong to cover, but the irrepressible Spencer powered through late to deny her. “She’s a tough lady”, reported O’Brien. “Jamie said the ground was killing her. She will have a break now and then go for the Irish 1000 Guineas.” He all but ruled out the English equivalent. “She’s had a tough race today”, he smiled.
Spencer, who was enjoying his third treble since taking over as number one at Ballydoyle was, however, suspended for one day for using his whip improperly and excessively. As a result, he will miss the English 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 2.
The intended Ballydoyle runner in that classic is Necklace, so it will be most interesting to note the direction, jockey-wise, they will travel for that!
Danny Grant gave the John Kiely trained Leos Shuil a fine drive to grab Ciel in the dying strides of the www.leopardstown.com Handicap.
Ciel’s pilot, Kevin Manning, put up a pound overweight and you could argue that may well have cost the four-year-old the contest!
Kiely was particularly delighted for Grant. “He’s had his share of setbacks and the last time I saw him he was going for a knee operation. She might head for the GPT at Galway and will go hurdling shortly.”
Michael Kinane was aboard John Oxx’s newcomer, the well-touted Ebaziyan, in the Golf Centre Maiden, but the uneasy market leader went down to stable companion, 20-1 shot, The Last Hurrah.
Cathy Gannon sent The Last Hurrah for glory early in the straight and the In The Wings gelding was always proving too strong for Ebaziyan, scoring by a length.
Dukestreet, who rounded off his juvenile days by finishing last of 13 to Noahs Ark at Cork, made a triumphant return in the Leopardstown Aertel Page 277 Handicap. Enterprisingly handled by Michael Hussey, Dukestreet made all the running, kicking away off the home turn to beat the staying on Blue Banner by two lengths.
