War Of Attrition sunk without trace
He finished a poor seventh, going out like a pricked balloon on the down hill run to the straight.
Conor O'Dwyer kept him out of trouble throughout and War Of Atrition's jumping, in the main, was satisfactory.
When the pressure was applied, however, there was nothing in the locker and a horse who was burning up the gallops at home trailed in badly beaten. Said O'Dwyer: “The ground was too good. Two miles on that ground, and in that company, was too much for him.
“His jumping was fine and he absolutely pinged the third last. I thought for a stride maybe, but he was gone soon after.”
Mouse Morris, who harboured high hopes he had a potential champion on his hands, was philosophical. “These things happen”, he muttered.
“We will have to think about upping him in trip now. But we won't be making any quick decisions and will take him home and see how he is.”
Victory went to Contraband for Timmy Murphy and Martin Pipe. Ashley Brook made a brave attempt from the front, but Contraband was right on terms at the last.
Ashley Brook made a dreadful blunder and Contraband was soon on top. He did hang across in front of a rallying Ashley Brook on the run in, but the stewards were never going to alter the placings.
Commented Murphy: “It was important for him to get a big jump at the last. He's never been a bad horse and we have been waiting for this ground.
“He didn't stop up the hill. He's a funny old horse, he has his quirks, and changed his lead and went to his left. It was a very competitive race, we were flat out all the way.”
Said Pipe: “He jumped and stayed well. Timmy gave him a great ride and they jumped the last, while the other one didn't.”
Noel Meade's Watson Lake fared best of the Irish in fourth place. He was travelling sweetly heading to the final bend, but soon cut out and couldn't get in any sort of blow in the closing stages.
Bookmakers began their day with a cracking result when 20-1 shot Arcalis and Graham Lee stormed away with the Letheby and Christopher Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
He had performed poorly at Newbury previously, but was far too good for some high class rivals here.
Noel Meade's Wild Passion looked a possible winner when edging ahead before the final flight, but had no answer to the surge of Arcalis on the flat, the verdict six lengths.
Said Meade: “He made a mistake at the second, but got back into the race and was not good enough on the day. The ground was also a shade quick for him, he prefers it softer.”
It was a first success at the Festival for millionaire owners, Graham and Andrea Wylie, who have invested millions in the hobby they love, and for Irishman Lee as well.
“It's unbelievable, I've always loved this horse”, exclaimed Lee. “I'm overjoyed. I had a great passage through the race and it is beautiful ground.
“Coming into the meeting I was a Festival virgin and I am delighted I have lost my virginity!''
Said Graham Wylie: “I have made a big investment, but this is a great thrill and it was stunning to watch the horse.”
Big disappointment was Dusty Sheehy's Justified. He ran much too freely in front and jumped poorly.
Justified was still at the head of affairs approaching the home turn, but was soon back-pedalling.
Meade said of Wild Passion: “I have no excuses, he's run a good race. I would rather be beaten six lengths than half a length.”
Ireland might have started the day disastrously, but finished with a real flourish and Spot Thedifference and Dabiroun saw us win three of the six races.
John Thomas McNamara gave Spot Thedifference an incredible drive to land the Sporting Index Cross Country Chase for Enda Bolger and J P McManus.
Truth to tell Spot Thedifference was never really travelling and was on and off the bridle from the start.
But the tough McNamara, enjoying a second Festival win, never gave up and got a splendid response from the 12-year-old in the final mile.
Spot The Difference swept into the lead over the last, stretching away on the flat to defy top weight.
“The weight was my biggest worry”, admitted Bolger. “John Thomas was tremendous and this horse will now go for the La Touche at Punchestown. His owner is stuck for a few bob and there is a 50,000 bonus if he wins!”
Paul Carberry may have been out of luck, but his talented sister, Nina, struck a blow for the family when giving Paul Nolan's Dabiroun the most beautiful drive to take the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle. It was a first Festival win for both Carberry and Nolan.
