Moore’s Law overcomes lay-off to outclass rivals
He stripped fresh and well, however, to do the business under a very confident Denis O’Regan drive.
O’Regan was in no hurrry and the winner had plenty to do approaching the home turn, as Lakil Princess made the best of her way home.
But Moore’s Law was soon in full flow, landed in front over the second last and quickly scampered clear of Drummer First.
Trainer Michael Grassick is currently enjoying a skiing break in Austria and was represented by his son, also Michael. Commented Grassick junior: “The horse has been kept on the go and was supposed to run in the Pierse Hurdle (Leopardstown).
“We decided to give it a miss, because we didn’t think 30-runners on the inside track was suitable. He will now go for a nice handicap.”
O’Regan completed a double when Noel Meade’s Academy Joe took what looked a useful Millstreet Maiden Hurdle. Academy Joe, Ebaziyan and Larkwing had a terrific tussle from the final flight, with the first named grabbing the advantage in the last stride.
Meade was represented by Gillian O’Brien, who said: “He’s a horse who came from Germany and was bought at Newmarket sales.
“He had little foot problems, but we got those sorted out. Noel likes him a lot and he will now go for a winners’ of one.”
Chomba Womba, successful in what looked an ordinary maiden at Limerick, stepped up in class to take the Rathduff Mares Novice Hurdle.
Powerfully handled by Michael Darcy, Mags Mullins’ charge proved too strong for the flattering Midnight Gift, who looked the likely winner early in the straight.
Commented Mullins: “She was brilliant, I am delighted. All the lads who have ridden her say she wants a fence, but I’m happy with what she’s doing at the moment.
“I have no plans, but she won’t be going to Cheltenham. Fairyhouse and Liverpool would be possibilities.”
Grangeclare Lark, seeking a five-timer, but uneasy in the market, again indicated this is not her favourite track. She began to struggle well before the third last.
Tony McCoy was to have been at the meeting, but missed his two rides because of a stiff neck, and missed a winner as well in the shape of Dante Hall in the Mitchelstown Handicap Hurdle.
Billy Lee was an able replacement, producing his charge to sweep clear after two out to easily beat Derrygowna Court.
Fozzy Stack did the honours for his trainer-father, Tommy, and said: “He will proably go for a three mile novice handicap at Fairyhouse at the end of February.”
McCoy hopes to resume on Wednesday.
“My jockey (Brian Carey) did really well”, exclaimed Austin Leahy after Humber Valley, which carries the colours of his wife, Ellen, had landed the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF-Doncaster Sales Mares Bumper.
The six-year-old made a lot of the running, kicking away for Carey early in the straight. Nancy Wake was soon in hot pursuit, but could never get on terms.
“She will now go back over hurdles, but I won’t be in any hurry”, said Leahy.
Stoneraker and Mondego emerged as the principals from two out in the 24-runner Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
Stoneraker held the call at the last, though, and stayed on to beat his rival by a length and a half. It was a sixth winner for 20-year-old pilot Shane Jackson.
