Eagle’s Passruns his Gold Cup rivals ragged
O’Dowd is particularly well known in this country, as a frequent contributor to different strands of the national media and he is also the owner of the Irish Voice newspaper in New York.
Eagle’s Pass, third behind Farmer Brown in the Galway Hurdle, showed here what a talented and versatile horse he is.
Always moving sweetly in the hands of Wayne Lordan, the five-year-old cantered into the lead with well over two furlongs to run.
From that point it was the proverbial procession, as he sluiced clear to beat Lucky Heroine by a whopping 19 lengths.
“I knew he was in real good form, but didn’t think he’d handle the ground”, said trainer, Thomond O’Mara.
“I don’t know where he will go from here, but he should improve for this again.”
Favourite, Arc Bleu, was struggling a fair way out, but kept on well enough to claim a remote third spot.
Eric McNamara’s Makemtakeit revelled in the surface to easily win the Sherry Fitzgerald Stephenson Clean Handicap Chase.
Davy Condon allowed the daughter of Fourstars Allstar stride on three from home and the three and a half lengths she had to spare over Tuatha De Danann was no indication of her superiority.
Commented McNamara: “She’s a good tough mare and carrying a light weight in that ground was a help.
“Davy gave her a great ride and I hope to use him a lot more in the future. She is in again at Kilbeggan (Friday) and Ballinrobe (Sunday) and will run at one of them.”
Aldaher Beebers left a bad effort at Galway well behind when taking the Lansdowne Real Estate EBF Novice Hurdle in the hands of Denis O’Regan.
Despite being far from foot perfect, Aldaher Beebers had little trouble edging ahead going to the penultimate flight to easily beat long-time leader, Bothar Na.
Trainer, Maurice Phelan, said: “That’s a relief, after the disappointment of Galway. He’s tough and stays galloping, but will have a break now.”
Market-leader Jadanli was tracking the leaders when falling at the third last.
The layers got a decent result in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden when Alhabeeb was far too good for Aidan O’Brien’s New Zealand and Jim Bolger’s Pittori.
New Zealand was heavily wagered on and Pittori had more than a couple of friends as well, as the winner drifted like a barge pole.
Pushed ahead over three furlongs out by Declan McDonogh, Alhabeeb powered through the testing conditions to score by five lengths.
Cousteau, who had a huge amount in hand at the weights, but hadn’t been performing very well, ran away with the Denis Moriarty Plant Claiming Race.
John Hanlon’s gelding was easy enough to back in the ring, but surged on before the straight, crossing the line 14 lengths clear of Arcelie.
The stewards subsequently inquired into the circumstances surrounding the claim lodged by Hanlon for the amount of €23,000 and the fact he was unable to make immediate payment by bank draft as required. The trainer was fined €3,000.
Porto Calero, who finished last of 12, was claimed by trainer, Liam O’Brien, for €12,151.
Jim Bolger had to be the most relaxed man in the country as the field turned for home in the paddypower.com Handicap.
His Via Scozia held a clear advantage and was being chased by stable companion, Malande. It was the latter, however, who was soon well on top, sweeping away to win by 15 lengths.
“She’s in at the Curragh at the weekend and could be a good filly next season, she is still backward”, reported Bolger.
Punters, who took a savage battering through the day, were finally floored after a big punt on Druids Castle in the Joseph J Grace Memorial Beginners Chase, 6-4 to 4-5, was sunk.
He travelled and jumped great through the contest, but could never get in a blow at Meet The Family, who was eased to the front by Paddy Flood heading to the third last.
