Say Again gives Nolan biggest win of his career in front of a record crowd
The six-year-old was partnered with supreme confidence by John Cullen, who had been threatening to break into the elite of National Hunt jockeys in this country.
An elated Nolan was asked, in the winner’s enclosure, by Colm Murray if he would stay on to do a live slot on Six One News on RTE 1, to which he replied: “I’ll stay for three weeks!”
John James made the running, but was stalked throughout by Mutakarrim, a winner on Tuesday night.
Mutakarrim went for glory heading to the second last, but by now, Say Again was in full flow.
Nolan’s charge still had a bit to do going to the home turn, but Cullen was sitting motionless.
The winner ranged up to challenge at the final flight and, despite brushing through the obstacle, shot away quickly to beat Mutakarrim by two lengths, with the fast finishing top weight, Just Our Job, only a short head away in third.
Said Nolan: “This is unbelievable, I nearly killed someone behind me leaping around when I realised he had a chance.
“When I saw there was nothing travelling behind my horse, I knew we would catch the one in front,” he said.
“I don’t know when the celebrations will stop, I hope we will all be fine after it!
“I felt he had good each-way prospects, but was worried about him coming up the hill on the ground.
“I wouldn’t run him on firm ground and would think he will now have a break.”
For Nolan, it was a dramatic change of fortune in 24 hours.
The day before, his strongly-fancied Torduff Boy could manage only eighth behind Rockholm Boy in the Plate.
“This makes up for yesterday,” he exclaimed.
Dermot Weld declined the delights of Galway for Goodwood and missed seeing Ballybrit specialist Ansar make an excellent debut over fences in the Guinness Novice Chase.
Ansar went off a warm favourite and his jumping was first class under Paul Carberry.
He did have his task eased considerably, however, by Albatros’s blunder at the last.
The pair went on together five out, and there was nothing between them; they were both full of running, rising to the obstacle.
Mark Weld, representing his father, said: “Dad listened to the race on the phone and is delighted.
“Today was the day and there are no immediate plans,” he said.
Carberry was also on the mark aboard Michael Hourigan’s Lantern Leader in the St James’ Gate Handicap Hurdle.
Approaching the straight, there was going to be only one winner, as Lantern Leader forged away to beat comfortably Yayo.
“He’s not a very big horse, but is good and has improved a lot this year,” Hourigan said.
The Limerick man landed a double when Easy Julia got the best of a hard-fought finish with favourite Mount Kimble in the Bumper.
“She has a good pedigree and will go hurdling,” he said.
“She improved a stone from her first run.”
It has been a terrific week for Hourigan. His tally stands at four, including Rockholm Boy in the Plate, and he is now the leading trainer.
The Tom Hogan-trained Native Sparkle, carrying the colours of Rathcormac, Co. Cork owner Liam O’Regan, battled on dourly for Plate hero Keith Hadnett to land the Harp Lager Novice Hurdle.
Native Sparkle landed some tasty wagers as well, ending at 3-1 on track, after 8-1 had been available in the morning.
Kilcrea Shyan looked the likely winner off the home turn and held a two-length advantage over the last.
But Hadnett rode a smashing finish to force his charge past halfway up the run in.
“She’s very genuine and a tough mare,” Hogan said.
“She got a great ride from Keith, who is a top-class pilot.”
Con Collins and Pat Shanahan teamed up for their first of the week when In Other Words, in front early in the straight, battled on to beat Milton Star in the extended one-mile Guinness Handicap.
The duo completed an 87-1 double when Yellow Bog Common shot away heading to the straight to win easily the Guinness EBF Fillies Handicap.
Heavily-backed market leader Cool Cousin, with a theoretical 13lbs in hand, performed deplorably, managing to beat only a handful.
A whole wall of horses had a chance at the furlong pole in the Smithwicks Handicap.
However, it was 20-1 chance Sottvus who soon emerged with all the aces, easing clear.
The victory of the Paul Scallan-ridden son of Royal Academy saw two punters scoop the jackpot pool, with each receiving 87,539.60.
