Calorando swoops to conquer

THE three-day May meeting got underway in glorious sunshine at Killarney yesterday, and young Athlone claimer Mark Watts enjoyed by far his biggest win when partnering Calorando to take the featured Murphys Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding was produced with a steady run through the field to lead before the final flight, and kept on well on the run-in to beat Arc En Ciel by a length with Callow Lake three-quarters of a length further back in third.

“'He will go back on the Flat and the long term aim this year will be the Galway Hurdle,” said successful trainer Tony Mullins.

The recently crowned claiming champion, Tom Ryan, was seen to good effect when teaming up with trainer Frances Crowley for a 74/1 double in the opening two races.

Ryan rode a well-judged race from the front on Kazan Lady in the opening Killarney Towers Hotel Maiden Hurdle. He stole a march on his rivals by sending the filly clear early on the final circuit, and held on well in the straight for a nine length victory over the well-backed Visit Wexford (14/1 to 8/1). The Petardia filly is owned and bred by Waterford based Michael Hanrahan, who also has her half-sister Brogella, and Crowley commented: “She will mix it between the Flat and hurdles while there is a little ease in the ground. She wouldn't want it firm, and really needs two miles on the Flat.”

Haggle Twins benefited from a strong drive to complete the double half-an-hour later in the Killarney Grand Hotel Handicap Hurdle. Hold The Pin looked set to justify favouritism when looming alongside approaching the last but Crowley's charge found plenty under pressure and got on top in the closing stages to score by three-quarters of a length. “We thought he wanted three miles, and it's good to get him back to winning ways,” said Crowley.

Strong Project proved a facile winner of the O'Connor, Sutton & Cronin Consulting Engineers Chase, jumping past Risk Accessor at the second last before Paul Carberry indulged in protracted glances at his beaten rivals for a nine length win with Native Jack another six lengths adrift.

“He's as tough as nails, and may run in a Flat race here on Tuesday,” said delighted winning trainer Charlie Swan.

Eurotrack made a successful switch from the hunter chasing ranks to cause something of a surprise in the Gleneagle Hotel Handicap Chase. Garrett Cotter's mount led before three out to beat Black Church Lad by two and a half lengths, and trainer Pat O'Connor is considering bringing him back here tomorrow.

Nina Carberry added to her growing reputation when producing Dolphin Bay between horses inside the final furlong to beat Three Mirrors by a neck in the Dawn Reid Ladies Handicap.

“I'm delighted that Nina has ridden a winner for us as Philip rides out a lot in my yard. This gelding should progress further, and a mile and a quarter could be his trip as he has bundles of pace,” said Curragh trainer James Burns.