Back In Front back in business with fluent success
This remarkable track hasn’t the best facilities in the world, and that’s an understatement, but there is a lot more to the game than shiny new stands and whatever you’re having yourself.
It is simply blessed with the best soil in the country and God only knows what would happen to the National Hunt game in the south if it was ever lost to racing.
Yesterday, a decent seven-race programme was completed in dreadful conditions, but with style, as Back In Front produced a fine performance to win the Glen Chase.
Edward O’Grady’s charge jumped superbly and was allowed stride on by Paddy Flood with a circuit to cover.
He did tire somewhat in the closing stages, but still crossed the line six lengths clear of Romek.
“Hopefully, he will now go for the Lexus at Leopardstown”, said O’Grady. “I am delighted and relieved he has won on ground which is safe, but terribly testing.”
O’Grady confirmed that Clopf and O’Muircheartaigh are on schedule for their big weekend targets at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
He will not, however, run Catch Me in the Barry and Sandra Kelly Memorial Hurdle at Navan on December 17.
“I am going to take him out at the next forfeit stage, I don’t want to be tempted, and he heads directly to Leopardstown.”
Jim Culloty, who will always be best known as the man who partnered Best Mate to three Cheltenham Gold Cup victories, enjoyed his first success as a trainer when Braun Star took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Culloty has 20 horses near Mallow and Braun Star carried the colours of Timoleague, Co Cork businessman, Con Harrington.
The Good Thyne gelding made just about all the running, staying on for Adrian Lane to resist Templers Hall.
“I am completely unproven and want to thank the owners for giving me this fellow”, said a clearly delighted Culloty.
“There is no resemblance between riding and training. I shed a tear today and the only time I did that when riding was when on the flat of my arse!”
The ex-French horse Loup Du Saubouas, now in the care of Noel Meade, justified favouritism in the Holycross three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
Owned by former Cork footballer Christy Kearney from Ballydesmond, the winner was slow at the back of the final flight, but rallied well on the level to beat Mrs Diniver a short head.
“He just got a bit tired on the ground”, said Meade. “He’s a huge big horse and should improve a lot”
Carberry completed a double when bringing market-leader The Colt King from well off the pace to lead going to the final flight in the Munster Handicap Hurdle.
Hedgehunter performed more than satisfactorily to finish fifth behind stable companion Mossy Green and Ruby Walsh in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle.
Mossy Green will be a 13-year-old in a few weeks, but retains all his enthusiasm, sweeping past long-time clear leader Sweet Kiln before two out to easily beat Pacolet.
“I will try and find another chase or hurdle like that for Mossy Green”, said Willie Mullins.
“I am absolutely delighted with Hedgehunter, he ran better than I expected. I’m not sure if he will have one more run before the Lexus at Leopardstown.”
Don’t Be Bitin was best for money in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase and landed the wagers under a delightfully patient Davy Russell drive.
He pushed his charge into the lead early in the straight and the five-year-old powered away to beat Slyguff Rory.
“We used to think stamina was his strong point, but aren’t so sure now”, reported trainer, Eoin Griffin.
“He will go for the Durkan New Homes Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas.”
Mouse Morris’ Contessa Messina stayed on dourly for Conor O’Dwyer to beat fast-finishing Good Company in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle. “She will go chasing now, that’s her game”, said Morris.
The stewards inquired into the performance of Good Company, ridden by Mark Walsh for Christy Roche.
They found Walsh had made insufficient effort and he was suspended for 21 racedays, the horse was suspended for 60 days and Roche fined €2,000.
