Cookie one to watch
This full-brother to the high-class In Compliance gave a brilliant exhibition of jumping on his way to an impressive success in the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase.
He led or disputed throughout, in this two miles and six stamina-sapping affair, and was set on the long surge for home early on the final circuit by David Casey.
Sir Frederick challenged strongly off the home turn, but Casey only had to let out a little rein and One Cool Cookie did the rest, powering three and a half lengths clear of his rival.
“The only worry I had was his fitness,” reported Swan. “He was always going to make a better chaser than a hurdler, he jumps fences much better.
“He stays really well and would love three miles. He’s a horse to look forward to and will now go for a novice chase somewhere.”
One Cool Cookie carried the colours of the Giggginstown House Stud, who also, of course, own Cheltenham Gold Cup hero, War Of Attrition.
Sky to Sea, fresh from his maiden win at Kilbeggan, sprang a 16-1 surprise in the featured Guinness Handicap Hurdle.
He was having only his second outing for trainer, Dick Donohoe, so this was two from two for the trainer.
The capable Denis Hogan sent the clearly improving eight-year-old to the front between the last two flights to easily beat the Last Hurrah.
“I’m thrilled with him, he handled the ground better than most,” said Donohoe. “I have him ten weeks and he could go novice hurdling now, or for some more handicaps.”
Aidan O’Brien’s Chivalrous may be by Danehill, with the real possibilty of not going on heavy ground, but it didn’t stop punters wading into him in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden over seven furlongs.
He was a major order through all the rates from 8-11 to 1-2 and never gave supporters any cause for concern.
Kieren Fallon had him out quickly from his favourable number two berth and Chivalrous was soon in front. He made the rest to beat Dusty Trail an easy two and a half lengths.
Amalfitano was the business in the ring for the John and Terry Moriarty Maiden Hurdle and he gave amateur rider Karl Wyse his first as a trainer.
He made a few errors along the way, but picked it up four out and Barry Geraghty was able to sit virtually motionless in the closing stages as Amalfitano scored with plenty in hand.
“I’m over the moon, this is much harder than riding,” remarked Wyse. “He will go the novice hurdle route for the moment.”
Davy Russell produced the ride of the week when taking the Spectra Photo Labs Handicap Hurdle on the Charles Byrnes-trained Mouftari.
Dropping him in front literally on the line is the best way to ride the gelding and Russell did it to perfection, sweeping late to collar Sonne Cinq and Nine O.
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Declan McDonogh showed the type of grim determination that may well make him champion jockey for the first time aboard Right Or Wrong in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden over a mile.
The winner and Vision Of Grandeur, partnered by Pat Smullen, went toe-to-toe through the final furlong, with Right Or Wrong just getting the best of the battle to score by a head. McDonogh now leads Smullen 73-65.
Carlowsanta gave trainer, Adrian Sexton, a welcome turn when taking the Helena Sheahan Memorial Maiden.
Seamus Heffernan kicked early in the straight and the Blue Ocean gelding kept going to resist Storm Averted by three quarters of a length.
Gamble of the contest was the John Oxx-trained Thiazi. Taken from 11-4 to 7-4, he never promised to get in a blow.
Afterwards, the stewards received a complaint from stewards’ secretary Philip Lafarge concerning the conduct of Kevin Mannning towards him in the jockeys’ changing room, when he was being interviewed regarding an incident in this race.
Manning apologised, but was fined €150.
Pauline Ryan rode her second winner of the week when Bluebyyou, trained by in-form Tom Hogan, found the best turn of foot, off a slow pace, in the Bumper.
Finally, hats off to the clerk of the course Peter McGouran and the Listowel executive for completing yesterday’s schedule in very difficult conditions.
