Ballyagran makes fine start over fences as Listowel ends on a high
Indeed, the only problem on this occasion, weather-wise, was the possibility of getting sun-burnt!
Noel Meade's Ballyagran made a fine start over fences when getting the best of a terrific tussle with Chicago Vic in the Dawn Pure Orange Juice Beginners Chase.
The six-year-old looked a possible star of the future when winning his maiden hurdle in the early stages of last season, but it was largely all down hill after that.
He was back on song here, however, jumping superbly in the hands of Paul Carberry. He led just before the third last and turned for home looking sure to score.
But Chicago Vic closed him down all the way to the line and there was just half a length separating them in the end.
Said Meade: “I was so disappointed with him last season, I felt he was a real good horse. I kept running him in good races, I don't know if there was something wrong.
“I liked the way he batttled in the end and he will now go for a winners' of one.”
The stewards interviewed John Doab, a registered employee of Eric McNamara, the trainer of Chicago Vic, in relation to an incident in the closing stages of this race. It appeared that Doab ran from the inside of the chase track onto the racing line, in other words in front of the horses, as the principals approached the finish and then subsequently ran back just before the horses reached him.
Evidence was heard from Doab and McNamara. The stewards were not satisfied with the explanation offered by Doab and, in view of the serious nature of the incident, decided to refer Doab to the Appeals and Referrals Committee.
Meade's long odds-on Jazz Messenger proved a costly failure in the Kerry Spring Water Hurdle.
The 2-5 chance travelled well for most of the journey, but found nothing in the straight when let down by Carberry. Victory went to Eric McNamara's Pearl's A Singer, powerfully handled by Brian Byrnes, to wear down long-time leader Undergraduate on the run in.
Said McNamara: “I didn't think we would beat Jazz Messenger, I thought we'd be second. She will stick to two miles for the moment, but will get two and a half in time.”
Aces Or Better followed up his good effort here on Friday, second to Optimus Prime, by going one better in the Kerry Maid Maiden Hurdle.
He made practically all the running, although headed four from home by Meade's strapping New Zealand import, Irish Nation.
The winner was soon back on terms, though, and found much more than his rival in the closing stages.
“He will have a six weeks break now and chasing will be his game down the line”, reported trainer, Mags Mullins.
That great old warrior Adamant Approach outclassed his rivals in the Dawn Milk Handicap Chase and was easily best for money in the ring to do so.
The front-running Waltons Mountain crashed into the fourth last and after that it was only a question of when Ruby Walsh asked his charge to lead. Permission was granted after the third last and that was that.
“He's a 12-year-old and it's taken him until now to settle”, quipped Walsh, who emerged as the leading National Hunt jockey of the week. He rode five winners, the same as Paul Carberry, but was given the award on prize money won.
Tabaco was a decent result for the layers when beating heavily-backed favourite Whoneedswings in the Slan Abhaile Race.
The Winged Love gelding got a dream run through on the inside and battled well for a length and a quarter success. Trained by Susan Finn, he was a third winner for 26 year-old pilot Jennifer Lee. “There were so many horses fancied, I didn't think he'd be good enough”, said Ms Finn. “He will go for a winners of one over hurdles at Tralee now.”
Pat Hughes, whose horses have been performing very moderately since Point Barrow won the Irish National at Fairyhouse at Easter, enjoyed a turn when Master Massini took the Dawn Omega Milk Handicap Hurdle.
Philip Carberry's mount and Supreme Tan had a tough tussle over the last two flights, with Master Massini prevailing by half a length.
Charles Byrnes' Third Level Tom was the business in the ring, 9-2 to 3-1, but didn't look happy on the ground and began to struggle three out.
Paul Carberry, who scored on Ballyagran, inititated a double when Whenever Wherever got the best of a battle royal with Carmens Ford in the Low Low EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle.
