The Galway Man delivers again at favourite track
"That’s the third time he’s run here and the third time he’s won”, reported delighted trainer, Tony Mullins.
The strapping gelding carries the colours of Gigginstown Stud, which is owned by Michael O’Leary. The Ryanair chief was on hand to greet his charge.
Ground Ball headed the trail-blazing Kymandjen at the second last, looking likely to give David Casey a winner on his return from injury.
But Carberry persuaded The Galway Man to put his best foot forward and Mullins’ charge answered the call to lead close home.
“I don’t know what makes him so good round here, perhaps it’s the fact he can have a breather on the down hill run to the straight’, remarked Mullins.
“Michael (O’Leary) has always wanted him to run in the Grand National at Aintree. This year he will go there for the John Hughes and then next year, all going well, it will be the National. I don’t think he will run again before Aintree.”
Paul Nolan’s Kill Devil Hill, also owned by the Gigginstown Stud, landed some decent wagers in the Jim Strang and Sons Peugeot Maiden Hurdle, finding 11-10 from 6-4.
In truth he never gave supporters a moment's worry. Always travelling sweetly for John Cullen, the imposing son of Carroll House, who jumps for fun, cruised ahead heading to two out to score with his head in his chest by ten lengths from Teeming Rain.
“This fellow mightn’t be too bad”, said Nolan with more than a hint of understatement. “He’s a really shy horse and the penny is now beginning to drop with him. He’s not had an entry for Cheltenham and is probably better off missing it this year.”
Nolan expressed surprise after his Demesne had landed the opening Fethard Maiden Hurdle.
“I didn’t think that would happen, but maybe his first two runs over hurdles brought him on”, said the trainer.
The winner surged through for Cullen coming away from the last to beat market leader Rights Of Man, who flattered again when edging ahead between the final two flights.
Dusty Sheehy continued his terrific run when the rapidly improving Carraig Blue ran his rivals ragged in the Jim Strang and Sons Peugeot Novice Hurdle.
Michael Darcy had him in the first two throughout, before easing ahead starting out for the final time.
Carraig Blue was clear from the fourth last and galloped powerfully up the straight to beat Oulart by 20 lengths.
“I was afraid the hard race he had the last day (close second to Sweet Kiln at Fairyhouse) might have taken its toll. I didn’t do much with him since. There’s a scarcity of three mile races, so there are no plans.”
Risky Deal was driven out in fine style from the final fence to beat the fast-finishing Phelans Fancy a head in the Lisronagah Hunters Chase.
Commented trainer, Pat Doyle: “He’s won three points and has always been a fair horse, but was off for two years with a leg. He wants further than two and a half miles.”
The experienced John Thomas McNamara gave Charles Byrnes’ Powerstation a very intelligent drive to win the Bumper.
Considering the ground, the contest was run at a strong gallop, with Noel Meade’s newcomer, Father Matt, holding a huge advantage for much of the contest.
But McNamara timed his effort to perfection, bringing Powerstation to stroll into the lead a furlong and a half down and win unextended by eight lengths.
“He will probably run in a two and a half mile bumper at Limerick during Cheltenham and will go over hurdles next season”, reported Byrnes.
Golden Domer cantered ahead before the straight for Kevin Coleman and made the rest to easily take the Martinstown Opportunty Handicap Hurdle.
