Walsh gets the best out of After Midnight
He finished 15th, 20th and 23rd in his three previous races, but with Ruby Walsh taking over from Shay Barry, Danny Howard and Robbie McNally, the four-year-old developed into a popular fancy.
Walsh was in no hurry, but brought the In The Wings gelding from the rear to lead approaching two out.
After Midnight is owned by the nine-member Where’s Paddy Syndicate, seven of whom come from Tralee with two from Cork.
The stewards inquired into an incident approaching the second last. The result was that Walsh was suspended for a day and Bobby Molloy for two days, both found guilty of careless riding, and Molloy was severely cautioned concerning the accuracy of his evidence.
Martin completed a double when Top The Charts easily took the second section of the same contest.
If After Midnight was well supported then this fellow was a real touch, hardening from 7-4 to 11-10.
He didn’t have the most attractive profile going into the race, having filled 12th, 15th and 11th in three races prior to this, admittedly, like After Midnight, on different ground.
Barry Cash was aboard on two occasions and Ken Whelan once, but with Walsh taking over Top The Charts was never going to get beaten.
Again the pilot was in no hurry, but there was only going to be one winner heading to the final bend.
Walsh allowed his charge lead two out, he made a minor error, and Top The Charts did the rest, easing clear to score by a totally unflattering six lengths.
The irrepressible Walsh was on the mark again when Chicago Vic put up a fine display to take the John Joseph Burke Memorial Hurdle.
She would have preferred a longer trip, but Walsh, well aware of that, was never too far off the pace and sent her for glory just before two out.
Commented trainer, Eric McNamara: “She’s very good. She lost her way over fences, so we decided to come back over hurdles.
“The mare has come alive in the sunshine and could now go to Navan on Saturday week for a conditions hurdle.”
Gerry Cully’s French-import Assiun was a desperately unlucky loser of the Island Maiden Hurdle.
He cruised ahead for Davy Condon between the final two flights and had the contest in safe keeping rising to the last.
But he stepped right into the obstacle and crashed to the ground, leaving Who’d Of Guest in to beat heavily-backed Conscript.
Niall Madden took a very nasty fall from Yarra Maguire in the John J Galvin Handicap Hurdle.
Yarra Maguire was in the lead, and apparently full of running, when stumbling at the back of the second last.
Madden had little chance of keeping the partnership intact, but rolled in front of the horse, actually bringing him down. He was essentially okay, however, but very sore, although missing his ride in the next contest.
Victory went to Zamnah, who edged ahead on the run-in to give trainer, John Bowles, a welcome turn.
Il En Reve, not seen since contesting the Kerry National on this track back in September, stripped fresh and well to make all in the Listowel Vintners’ Handicap Chase.
Dashingly ridden by Andrew McNamara, Sean Treacy’s gelding shrugged off the challenge of Seaforde in the straight.
Said Treacy: “He will possibly have one more run, at Kilbeggan, and then go for the Galway Plate.”
Dego Dante made most of the running to beat the persistent City Of Sails in the Gurtinard Beginners Chase, while Manoir stayed on well through the final furlong to wear down long-time leader Finns Cross in the Bumper.
Joe Crowley’s gelding, however, returned with a bad gash and is likely to be on the sidelines for a while.
