Kazal makes it sixfrom seven withgutsy performance
Eoin Griffin’s charge didn’t travel particularly well through the contest, but dug deep when the need was greatest.
Barry Geraghty forced him to the front jumping five out, but the game appeared up when he was headed between the final two flights by Holly Tree.
Back on terms jumping the last, Kazal then surged away to score by a snug three lengths in the end.
“I was worried sick coming here, because I didn’t think he’d like the track and Barry confirmed that”, reported Griffin.
“I am delighted with him and all he is short on his CV now is a win in a Grade 1. He will have a break and then I’ll get stuck into him again, in the hope the ground might still be soft for Punchestown.
“There’s a three miles plus race at Aintree and he could go for that, but won’t be heading anywhere unless the surface is right. If that’s it for the season then I’m not bothered.”
Ruby Walsh guided long-absent Glencove Marina to a smooth success in the first division of the C J Sheeran Ltd Maiden Hurdle.
Unbeaten in two bumpers, Willie Mullins’ charge hadn’t been seen since the Punchestown Festival in April, but stripped fresh and well in what was a poor contest.
Walsh eased him ahead over two out and Glencove Marina cantered clear to beat newcomer, Spirit Run, unextended by 16 lengths.
“We’ll aim him at Punchestown and probably take in Fairyhouse along the way”, said Mullins.
“The reason he hasn’t run until now is I wasn’t happy with him and just gave the horse time.”
Walsh completed a double, taking his tally for the campaign to 111, when Cyrils Top Girl won the Prime Beef Handicap Hurdle.
Trained by Tony Martin, this was only the second time she has run for him, the mare was light in the market.
She made most and fought back strongly in the straight, after market-leader, The Paddy Premium, seemed to have taken her measure.
If the first division of the C J Sheeran Maiden Hurdle was moderate then the second was even worse, something not lost on Arthur Moore, who saddled the winner, Tahitien Fix.
“That’s as bad a maiden as you will get”, remarked Moore realistically, after Denis O’Regan had sent Tahitien Fix ahead going to the final flight.
“He’s a chaser in the making and will be put away now and brought back over fences next season”, said Moore.
The stewards inquired into the performace of sixth placed Double Attraction, ridden by Philip Carberry for Edward Cawley. They decided the racecourse had been used as a training ground and that Carberry had made insufficient effort.
Carberry was suspended for seven racedays, Double Attraction for 42 days, while Cawley was fined €1,000.
Tailors Hall redeemed the promise of his second to Good Company at Downpatrick when battling on dourly in the Thurles Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.
This was a real slog with the winner finding plenty for Andrew Leigh driving to beat Tawnies and well-backed joint favourite, Irish Invader.
“He’s a great big horse and a chaser in the making”, commented trainer, Jessica Harrington.
He may run once more, but three miles in the mud will be just what’s required next season.”
Mags Mullins’ Beroni shot clear early in the straight to easily land the Bumper in the capable hands of Adrienne Foley.
“He’s a big, backward horse, who is improving all the time and will be a chaser down the road”, remarked Mullins.
Rebel Chief, returning from a break of 117 days, was the business in the ring, 7-4 favourite from 5-2.
He tracked Beroni towards the home turn, but was soon struggling, finishing a well beaten fourth.
