Eagle soars to new heights
Backed down to 4/9 favouritism, the Colm O’Donoghue-partnered colt quickened past his two rivals with more than three furlongs to race and, soon in total command, was able to coast home a massive twenty-two lengths clear of runner-up Murtagh.
Winning trainer Harrington said: “That was kind of easy. He settled it in a matter of a few strides and is going the right way. I’m not sure where to go with him now.”
Earlier, Pat Smullen recorded his sixth win of the season at Ballinrobe when getting the Pat Carey-trained Mountain Melody through on the inside to foil Brochure close home in the Flannery’s Bar & Restaurant Handicap.
It was the former champion’s 61st success of the season and he remains 16 clear of reigning champion Declan McDonogh, who had earlier guided odds-on favourite Cheddar Island to an all-the-way win in the J.P.S.Property Development Claiming Race.
Winning for the first time beyond seven furlongs the 8/11 shot, trained by Kevin Prendergast for Norman Ormiston, tied up slightly inside the final furlong but still had three lengths to spare over Arcelie. Cheddar Island was subsequently claimed, for €27,000 by Gerry Tierney.
Trainer John Joe Walsh attributed Sara Cara’s victory in the Costello McDermott Handicap to a “brilliant ride” by Rory Cleary. The 12/1 shot kept going well to beat My Dolly Madison and Blackisthecolour, giving Cleary his 19th win of the campaign.
County Galway trainers Paul Gilligan and Iggy Madden kept punters happy when on the mark with Piano Star and Air Of Confusion respectively in the National Hunt action.
Gilligan declared: “Long may it continue,” after Piano Star gained compensation for a recent last fence fall at Kilbeggan in the Jennings Meats Beginners Chase.
Left in front when the leader Wishwillow Lord fell at the fourth last fence, Piano Star looked in command from that point under Ruby Walsh before being driven out on the run-in to beat longshot Jolly Jingles. Piano Star was giving trainer Gilligan his sixth win in two weeks.
Air Of Confusion, a course and distance winner two years ago, gave his supporters few worries when landing the John McMahon Handicap Chase for Iggy Madden. Confidently handled by claimer Shane Jackson, the well-backed nine-year-old landed in front at the second last fence before comfortably beating top-weight Clochmhaoil Castle, taking full advantage of a chase rating 17lb. below his current hurdle mark.
