Victor to give Cheltenham a miss this year
He won’t be heading for Prestbury Park, however, with trainer, Jessica Harrington, reporting: “He could be anything and we will wait another year.” Harrington’s horses are flying and she will travel to Cheltenham with the likes of Moscow Flyer, Macs Joy and Ulaan Bataar on her side.
And in the Moriarty not alone did she saddle the winner, but he beat stable companion, Well Presented.
The pair had it between them from two out and when Carrigeen Victor dipped at the back of the last he seemed to have handed the initiative to his rival.
But Carrigeen Victor is a real horse for the future and fought back strongly for Robert Power to dominate his rival in the last hundred yards and score by a length.
Said Harrington: “I didn’t know which one of them was going to win, I just prayed they would both jump the last. I couldn’t believe it when they did.
“Carrigeen Victor might be a Power Gold Cup horse, while the Midlands National (Uttoxeter) or the Irish Grand National (Fairyhouse) could be the race for Well Presented.” The well-fancied pair, Mark The Man and Newmill, both scoped dirty after the race.
Tom Foley, who tasted never-to-be-forgotten glory at Cheltenham with Danoli, is heading back down that road with Royal Paradise, following the gelding’s smooth win in the Deloitte Hurdle.
Mick Fitzgerald had the ride and he stalked front-running Sweet Kiln, until easing his charge past approaching the straight. Royal Paradise soon surged away and Fitzgerald didn’t have to be hard on him to hold The Railway Man comfortably.
“We had to win today if we were to have any chance at Cheltenham”, commented Foley realistically.
“He’s in the Supreme Novices and the SunAlliance, but the owner has a few quid on for the SunAlliance, so I must think he’s going for that.
“I can’t wait for this horse to go over fences, hurdles are too small for him.” Totesport shortened Royal Paradise from 12-1 to 9’s for the SunAlliance, Paddy Power 10-1 to 8-1 and Boylesports 10-1 to 8-1 as well.
David Casey, what a marvellous day it was for him, enjoyed his first success since returning from injury when driving Strangely Brown to success in the Cashmans’ Juvenile Hurdle. Barati edged ahead before the final flight, but Casey got a dream run on the inside and Strangely Brown cut down Barati half way up the run in.
“He’s done everything we have asked of him and is climbing the ladder”, said trainer, Eric McNamara. “He’s entitled to take his chance in the Triumph Hurdle now.” McNamara came by the horse at the sales in Newmarket. He explained: “It was Shane Donohoe (trainer) who actually bought him.
“He gave £12,000 and I was standing right next to Shane. He sold him on to me for a profit.” Casey was impressed with Strangely Brown. He said: “They went no gallop and I got into a bit of trouble, I wasn’t able to use his good jumping. He’s a decent horse and will be better in a better race.”
Paddy Power tightened Strangely Brown from 25-1 to 16-1 and Cashmans from 25-1 to 14’s for the Triumph. Heavily-backed favourite Arch Rebel soon recovered from a mistake three out to hold every chance in the straight, but failed to quicken and could only manage a well beaten third.
Some hefty wagers went west on Ted Walsh’s Never Compromise in the Raymond Smith Memorial Hunter Chase.
He jumped for fun in front, until making a near-disastrous blunder four from home. In-form pointer, Lord Of The Turf, took over here and Never Compromise simply couldn’t reel him in up the straight.
A major morning price and on-course gamble went astray on John Kiely’s Reine Des Reines in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle. It was sunk without trace, however, as he finished a poor 12th. Victory went to Escrea, who skipped clear from the last to beat Court Leader.
Beechcourt, who has disappointed more often than not, put up a fine display to take the T C Matthews’ Carpets Handicap Hurdle, shooting clear for Barry Geraghty from the final flight.
