Intrigue appreciates ease in the ground

FORMER champion, Pat Smullen took the riding honours when recording a fine double at Roscommon last night, highlighted by the all-the-way victory of Royal Intrigue in the Glenman Corporation Limited Building Contractors Lenebane Stakes, the first listed race ever to be run at the western venue.

Smullen dictated the pace on the Dermot Weld trained colt easing across from his outside draw to dominate proceedings and turning for home, he had most of his rivals in trouble.

Royal Intrigue, which is owned by Dr Ronan Lambe, stayed on strongly for Smullen to beat Blessyourpinksox by three quarters of a length.

Trainer Weld was not present, but Smullen explained: “The ease in the ground helped him because I was disappointed with him when he won on very fast ground at Naas. He was good out there and I'm not sure where the boss will send him next.”

Smullen had initiated his double when Little Nymph landed the fillies handicap in good style for Curragh trainer, Michael Grassick. The rider was deputising for Niall McCullagh, who was injured in a fall at Wexford on Friday.

Smullen's wife Frances Crowley was also on the mark when Noend, carrying the familiar colours of Joe Joyce, opened his hurdling account when gaining a narrow victory in the Keenan Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle.

Noend got the better of Lace Your Boots by a short head after a titanic battle and trainer Crowley will now consider running him in either a novice or handicap hurdle at the Galway festival.

Andrew McNamara and Tony McCoy, who fought out that finish, also dominated the Flemings SuperValu Handicap Hurdle. But this time victory went to McCoy on the Niall Madden trained Baikal, owned by the rider's boss J P McManus.

Wayne Lordan is enjoying his best ever season and brought his tally to 22 when Whatsthescript gained a narrow victory over market rival, Dimenticata in the opening two year old maiden.

The pair dominated the closing stages, with Lordan's mount prevailing by a head.

Winning trainer, David Watchman commented: “He was still plenty green out there and should come on again. He'll be a better horse on a more galloping track and he might turn up in something like the Tyros Stakes”.

Willie Mullins was not present to see Davenport Democrat owned by the PM Racing Syndicate prove the easiest winner of the day in the Bank of Ireland Novice Hurdle. Sent into the lead from flag fall by Davy Condon, the 11/8 favourite dominated the race throughout and coasted home an impressive victor by a margin of 21 lengths.

No plans were made known after the race but it will not be surprising if Davenport Democrat heads for Galway.

Also likely to be Galway bound is the Noel Meade trained Rocket Boy, which made a successful debut in the bumper under a typically strong ride by Nina Carberry.

The winner is owned by the Fountainhill Syndicate from counties Galway and Mayo and according to Meade “has a bit of toe and will go straight over hurdles, probably at Galway”.

Pat Murphy, who rode the fourth Afterthegoldrush found himself in hot water with the stewards and picked up a three-day ban for careless riding.