Sheehy gains compensation as Rathgar Beau makes no mistake
“I think everyone would agree he definitely deserved that”, exclaimed a relieved Sheehy. “Shay (Barry) and I have a had a rough few weeks, but this makes up for a lot if it.”
Barry, who was on Kahuna seven days earlier, made no mistake on this occasion, giving Rathgar Beau a superb drive.
Cloudy Bays, always prominent, struck for home early in the straight, but the winner soon came there cruising. Rathgar Beau flew the second last and was equally as good at the final fence, as he tackled Cloudy Bays.
Halfway up the run-in Rathgar Beau looked sure to score by a cosy two or three lengths, but then seemed to think he’d done enough. He pricked his ears and began to struggle. Cloudy Bays fought back, but was still half a length down at the line.
“He will go for either the John Durkan at Punchestown or the O’Connell ’Chase at Cork”, said Sheehy. “I’d say it will be the Durkan, because that’s two and a half miles as against two at Cork.”
English challenger Impek flattered when improving from behind to go third down hill to the home turn. But, like a lot of Henrietta Knight’s horses of late, he was soon back-pedalling.
Rule Supreme, winner of the SunAlliance Novices ’Chase at Cheltenham in March, made a tremendous seasonal debut when defying top weight in the Prior Bank Service Station Clonmel Handicap Hurdle.
“I’m delighted and surprised, I didn’t think he was ready”, said Willie Mullins.
Rule Supreme got the best of a real tussle with Bennie’s Pride on the run-in to win by a hard-earned head.
“He has a terrific engine and showed that again today”, said Mullins. “He will now go for the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
“He will be given an entry in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, but I think the Stayers’ Hurdle is more realistic”, concluded Mullins.
“It’s nice to get black type”, said Liam Burke, after Nolans Pride had followed up her recent Wexford victory by taking the Listed T A Morris Memorial Mares Novice ’Chase.
Whether Nolans Pride had luck on her side is a matter of opinion. Favourite Adarma, who had jumped impeccably, was on terms with her when hitting the second last, unseating Alan Crowe.
Said Burke: “She had all sorts of problems and was done for her wind in the summer. We will keep tipping away in mares races.”
The opening INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Maiden Hurdle was won in easy style by Prince Roscoe, who powered through the ground much better than his rivals.
He was taken to the front before the second last and quickly stretched away from Over Alainn to score by eight lengths.
Prince Roscoe was partnered by Michael O’Connor, who comes from Liscarroll, Co Cork. It was his sixth winner on the track and a first over flights.
Market leader, Rearing To Go, travelled really sweetly on the heels of the leaders, until dropping out dramatically heading down hill to the straight.
He was well out of contention when pulled up before the second last. Unfortunately, he severed a tendon and had to be put down.
Another Cork pilot on the mark was Billy Callaghan, from Cobh, who enjoyed a third success aboard Lala Nova in the Sporting Press Handicap Hurdle. Callaghan (24) produced his charge with perfect timing to cut down the flattering Pippin’s Ford at the final flight.
Mouse Morris, on the mark with Keepatem at Downpatrick on Wednesday, enjoyed another winner when Brownie Returns took the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap ’Chase.
In front coming away from the third last for Adrian Lane, Brownie Returns had no trouble holding No Small Plans, who blundered badly six out when starting to close on the leaders.
Meanwhile, Morris has decided to bypass the Drinmore ’Chase at Fairyhouse, as expected, with stable star, War Of Attrition. He will run next in a winners ’chase at Gowran Park in early December.
