Ballycullen Boy makes solid start over fences
He hit the fourth fence hard, but otherwise looked a natural in the capable hands of David Casey.
The seven-year-old led going to the fifth and only Luxi River was a danger heading to the final fence.
Ballycullen Boy, backed from 11-4 to 2-1 favourite, got in a bit close to the last, but picked up in fine style at the back of it and was a snug length to the good at the line.
Reflecting on that fourth obstacle blunder, Casey reported: “It was one of those things, I asked him too far away.”
Commented Danagher: “We will see how he comes out of the race, he will either go handicapping or novice chasing.”
Former amateur jockey Bryan Murphy, best known now as the proprietor of the Dunraven Arms in Adare, enjoyed his first success as a trainer when Klassy took the Island Maiden Hurdle.
The 10-1 shot powered ahead coming away from two out to score with plenty in hand by five and a half lengths.
“I have just two horses and this is purely a bit of fun”, reported Murphy. “Adrian (Joyce) gave him a great ride.
“He’s been running really well, but just didn’t have the gears for a bumper. Eric McNamara lets me use his gallops, he has been a great help.”
John Murphy, absent at a wedding, missed seeing his Convincing take the John Joseph Burke Memorial Hurdle under a strong Eddie Power drive.
The four-year-old had been absent since finishing down the field in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and was a big drifter in the market, 7-2 to 2-1.
He did his job nicely, however, finding plenty for Power from the final flight to beat well-backed Dbest.
Both divisions of the Michael and Mary O’Connor Handicap Hurdle were moderate heats, with the first falling to Youngblood.
Trained by in-form Harry Rogers, he swept up late in the hands of Robert Power to grab the flattering Zhdanovichy.
The second section cost the layers a bundle, with victory going to Tony Martin’s Dream Champion.
A best priced 5-4 appeared tight, but there were bundles of takers and he ended an even-money shot.
Ken Whelan had the ride and he produced him with impeccable timing to master Back Of The Pack, after the pair had jumped the last upsides.
“It’s great for Kenny”, said Martin. “I am delighted with the horse, he did it well, but don’t have any particular plans in mind.”
Martin completed a double when another short-priced favourite, Aggie’s Lad, toyed with the oppposition in the John J Galvin Handicap Hurdle.
Johnny Farrelly, who was to have partnered the gelding, missed out — having taken a fall in England the previous day — and Nina Carberry was a more than able deputy.
Aggie’s Lad was always racing towards the rear, but cruised ahead over the penultimate flight and won hard held by a totally unflattering two and a half lengths.
“He’s a weak horse who is just coming to himself and I just hope he’s alright in the morning”, said Martin.
Eventual winner Lotomore Lad seemed to have his opponents covered for most of the Listowel Vintners’ Handicap Chase.
Davy Russell pushed him into the lead two from home and Donie Hassett’s charge eased away to beat Berkley.
“I knew if he reproduced his Killarney run (second to On The Other Hand) he’d win”, said Hassett. “If he didn’t go well at Killarney, he was on his way to Doncaster sales, but we’ll keep him now.”
Cuchulains Son proved a costly failure in the Bumper, failing to quicken in the straight, as Joe Crowley’s newcomer Perlogan got the best of the battle with Forty Five.
