Kingsmaster’s searching gallop too much for rivals
He set a searching gallop on Lar Byrne’s six-year-old and then gave him a breather going to four out.
Flanagan, cleverley, waited until safely at the back of the third last and then sent the winner away again.
The pair never saw any of their opponents, crossing the line four and a half lengths clear of Boulavogue.
Commented Byrne: “I knew he was in super form and another hurdle may be next, or else he will go chasing.”
Hot-pot Leg Spinner ran no sort of race, struggling badly from early on the final circuit. He eventually trailed in a remote seventh and was almost pulled up in the straight by Ruby Walsh.
The performance left trainer, Tony Martin, perplexed. “It wasn’t the ground, that was too bad to be true”, exclaimed Martin.
Leg Spinner was reported to be normal post-race and samples were taken for analysis.
Craughwell, Co Galway handler, Paul Gilligan, has made a big impression over the last few months and was on the mark again when triple bumper winner, Life For Rent, outclassed his rivals in the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle.
It was a decent effort on the part of the strapping gelding, because he certainly took his time about settling.
Ridden out the back by Andrew Lynch, the blinkered seven-year-old cruised ahead coming away from the third last and, though tiring somewhat in the closing stages, was still comfortably on top at the line.
“He’s a good horse, who is just beginning life”, said Gilligian.
“Stepping up to three miles made all the difference and he will be going over fences sooner rather than later.”
William Codd’s rapidly improving Vale Of Avocia completed a hat-trick with another excellent effort in the Low Low EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle.
Superbly handled by Davy Russell, the daughter of Taipan came from off the pace to sweep ahead from the final flight.
Said Codd: “She has turned inside out since starting to win. Davy suited her, she needs to be switched off.
“She may run in another hurdle race, but is likely to go chasing in the future.”
Said Russell: “Her mother, Vivians Vale, was one of the first horses I ever rode.”
Druids Castle proved a strong favourtie for the Cheestrings Beginners Chase and this impeccable jumper looked set for victory when landing in front three from home.
But Show Blessed soon ranged up as a big danger and, grabbing the inside off the final bend, was always getting the best of the fight in the closing stages.
Show Blessed, trained by Joanna Morgan, had only run once over fences previously, at Ballinrobe over two years earlier, and it was no surprise went off a 20-1 shot.
Mister Month followed his success over flights at Tralee by landing the Dawn Milk Handicap Chase.
David Casey’s mount got the best of the battle with Jawad, after the latter had jumped the last awkwardly.
Commented trainer, Charlie Swan: “You would want a lot of patience with this horse. He has broken down twice and was done for his wind at the end of last season. He has always had a lot of class and will probably go for the Munster National (Limerick) now.”
John Murphy’s The Buck redeemed the promise of some recent efforts when taking the first division of the Dawn Omega Milk Handicap Hurdle.
He could be mapped as the likely winner a fair way out, cantering into the lead between the final two flights.
In the end, however, Eddie Power had to get serious with him to get the best of a tough tussle with the persistent Bellflower Boy.
Stephen Gray gave the Michael Hourigan-trained El Jo a fine drive to prove too strong for the flattering Tuatha De Danann in the second section of the same contest.
First reserve Pistol Flash got into the Listowel Races Supporters’ Club Slan Abhaile Race and duly ran away from uneasy favourite Top The Charts over the final two furlongs.
