Snaefell springs surprise in sprint
The grey travelled sweetly throughout for Johnny Murtagh and found plenty when the questions were popped.
Tax Free momentarily looked a winner approaching the furlong pole, but 16-1 shot Snaefell soon powered past and was snugly in front at the line.
“He is at his best in a fast run five furlongs race, that’s the secret to him”, said trainer, Michael Halford.
“I’ve had this in mind for a while, but was a bit surprised at how well he handled the ground.
“You would have thought he wanted better ground, but of course he is a Danehill Dancer!”
Kieren Fallon, who partnered Peace Offering in this contest, was fined €200 for moving across before reaching the marker poles.
Aidan O’Brien saddled the first two in the Anheuser Busch Adventure Parks Railway Stakes with the outsider of the pair, Lizard Island, proving too good for South Dakota.
The winner made all the running, with South Dakota appearing distinctly unhappy in the testing conditions.
To South Dakota’s credit he kept battling on, but could never quite get in a blow at Lizard Island and there was three quarters of a length between them at the end.
“He came on nice for his first run at Leopardstown”, said O’Brien of Lizard Island. “He was very green and raw that day.
“I don’t have any immediate plans, but he’s a horse who won’t mind stepping up in trip.”
Jessica Harrington’s Jumbajukiba had been running well and reaped the reward of consistency when taking the valuable Budweiser Guinness Handicap.
Produced with a strong run towards the outside by Fran Berry, the Barathea gelding surged clear of Settigano to score by a length and three parts.
“He loved the ground and blinkers made all the difference”, reported Harrington.
“This is a lovely one to win. Fran (Berry) felt he probably got there too soon.”
Adrian Nicholls, who was aboard Royal Dignitary, was found to have ridden carelessly and was suspended for four days and fined €200.
Dandy Nicholls, out of luck with Tax Free, redressed the balance when Sylvester De Sousa enjoyed his first success in Ireland when guiding Machinist to victory in the John Roarty Memorial Scurry Handicap.
The seven-year-old didn’t just win, he scorched home by a whopping four lengths from Nastrelli, after De Sousa had sent him on entering the final furlong.
Commented Nicholls: “He is in a claimer at Hamilton on Wednesday, but I think we will evade that.
“He was alright on the ground, but I wouldn’t say he loves it. I have always thought a lot of this horse.”
Tony Martin’s Arc Bleu justified favouritism, under Jamie Spencer, in the Arthur Guinness EBF Handicap.
Spencer produced him with impeccable timing to sweep up late to beat Jalwada.
“I thought the ground had gone for him, but it wasn’t winter-soft”, said Martin. “There are no plans, but he might turn up at Galway.”
Mud-loving Danehill Music felt right at home in the Listed Netjets Celebration Stakes and answered every call from Danny Grant.
Trained by David Wachman, she responded to strong driving to wear down Hard Rock City with Wachman’s other runner, Cougar Bay, in third.
Said Wachman: “Danny rides her in all her work at home, she takes a bit of knowing. This is her ground and her track. She will keep going in Listed and Group 3 races.”
Jessica Harrington, on the mark in the opener with Jumbajukiba, completed a 224-1 double when Sandymount Earl took the Waterford Crystal Handicap. Ridden by Johnny Murtagh, adding to his gains with Snaefell, Sandymount Earl swept through late to beat Bluebyyou.
The Tote was €1,176,770, which was a new course record.
