Hamblin keeps Aussies’ hopes alive in challenge
The Australian style was easy to spot in a thrilling finish to the ladbrokes.ie Ireland V Australia Handicap Chase and proved very effective as Hamblin kept Monterey Bay going well to repel the challenge of Knocknabrogue by a length.
Francis Crowley’s gelding had jumped to the head of affairs at the third last but needed every assistance from the Queensland jockey to secure the victory.
Craig Durden suffered a crashing fall in the ladbrokes.ie International Jockeys Handicap Hurdle when his mount Clock House fell at the third hurdle.
Michael Hourigan’s horse also brought down Anchorsholme and Gaily Bay Jack. Barry Geraghty required a stitch to his face afterwards while Niall Madden was taken to hospital for x-rays on his arm.
Trainer Andrew McNamara teamed up with his son Andrew to take the contest with Marguerita. The French-bred filly jumped to the lead three out and stayed on well to beat Rosmaire by two lengths.
“She could head for the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel if she gets into the handicap,” said the winning trainer.
McNamara junior went on to complete a 129/1 double when the Michael Hourigan-trained Sargon got the better of Tramploine King by two-and-a-half lengths in the ladbrokes.ie “Best Prices” Beginners Chase.
Widely Accepted had earlier looked a juvenile hurdler worth following when making a stylish debut over timber in the Ladbrokes Total Betting Service 3-Y-O- Maiden Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty sent the son of Mujadil into the lead after the third last and he wasn’t extended to record a five-length verdict over Bowland Bride. The Joe Crowley-trained gelding could now head to Listowel for a winners contest.
Rights Of Man galloped his rivals into submission in the Ladbrokes “Financials Fixed Odds Betting” Novice Hurdle.
Amateur Mikey O’Connor was keen to get to the lead on the gelding and once there he never looked like relinquishing his position, staying on strongly in the straight to beat Tabaco by two-and-a-half lengths.
“The biggest problem with this horse is that he doesn’t settle,” revealed winning trainer Davy Fitzgerald. “He’s more of a chaser than a hurdler and will go over fences soon. He could also run on the Flat at the Curragh next Sunday.”
Lord Of The Artic is another who could be heading to Listowel after justified good morning support when landing the ladbrokes.ie “Highest Payout Limit” Handicap Hurdle.
Nina Carberry was in trouble after winning an eventful bumper on Classic Approach. She squeezed up Little Rascal close home, causing him to crash into the rails. The stewards handed Carberry a seven-day ban for careless riding.
The Irish team ended the first day of the Ireland V Australia jumping challenge in a 30-18 lead despite the victory of Hamblin.
