No doubt as Mouthenry outclasses rivals
It has been well documented that Blueberry Boy finished first that day, lost the race in the stewards’ room and was then reinstated on appeal.
This time there was never the remotest possibility of the stewards being called into action, as the winner toyed with the opposition.
Ridden with typical confidence by in-form Andrew McNamara, Mounthenry jumped brilliantly and it was always just a question of when the pilot popped the question.
McNamara let out an inch of rein going to the second last and Mounthenry was quickly in charge, easing away to beat trail-blazing Drunken Disorderly by five lengths and with a lot more up his sleeve.
“He will now go to Punchestown (Grade Two, two miles) on February 5,” said trainer, Charles Byrnes.
McNamara was also impressed: “He jumped really well and will be even better with a stronger gallop,” he siad.
Dermot Weld’s Proper Article, who began nicely over flights at Leopardstown, made no mistake in the Hackett’s Ireland’s Largest Independent Bookmakers’ Maiden Hurdle.
He jumped superbly, except for getting in close to the fourth last, but appeared to be struggling to get to grips with front-running Ethon down hill to the straight.
Barry Geraghty got a decent tune out of him, however, and Proper Article edged ahead going to the last.
Pearl’s A Singer, none too clever two out, was soon giving chase, but was never going to reel in the winner.
Speaking from home, trainer Dermot Weld, reported: “Little fish are sweet. He did what you’d expect, no more, he was fit and knew his job. I don’t see him going to Cheltenham, he’s not good enough. We will now mix it between flat and hurdles.”
Eric McNamara continued his terrific run when Good Thyne Jack beat stable companion Captain Mac in the Live 95 FM Handicap Hurdle.
The eight-year-old is clearly going forward rapidly, having scored twice at the Limerick Christmas festival.
He was running here off a mark 12lbs higher, but made light of that with a smooth display. Robbie Power produced Good Thyne Jack in the straight to cut down Captain Mac and another hike in the weights awaits.
“That was a good performance and is improving away,” said McNamara. “He will go for another handicap at around two and a half miles and is a fine big horse who will jump a fence some day.”
The layers got welcome respite when 10-1 shot Cloone Leader turned over market leader, Lodge Princess, in the Hackett’s Bookmakers’ EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
It was a first success for trainer Lar Byrne, who has nine horses in his care at Clonroche, Co Wexford.
“I nearly collapsed,” he exclaimed. “I took out a licence in November and have a put a lot into this. I don’t want too many horses, but would be happy with 12-15.”
Robbie Moran set Cloone Leader alight five from home and though Lodge Princess flattered for much of the straight, she wasn’t able to get on terms.
Flowonlovelyriver, another 10-1 shot, obliged in the Bumper, staying on strongly for Seamus O’Farrell.
Pat Flynn’s gelding looked sure to be swamped by newcomer Dancewiththedevil and Nina Carberry from the two furlong pole but fought back and was nicely on top at the end.
“He improved a lot from the last day (Tramore) and is likely to run in another bumper in about a month,” said Flynn.
Golden Domer, now an 11-year-old, showed he retains plenty enthusiasm for the game when taking the Hackett’s Freefone 1800200484 Handicap Hurdle.
Trained by Stanley Ryan and partnered by Tom Molloy, Golden Domer picked it up before four from home and never showed any signs of stopping to beat Belos by 13 lengths.
