McCoy takes no prisoners on Good Harvest
He had the J P McManus-owned four-year-old near the front throughout, driving him clear of Good Thyne Diva from the last.
Commented McManus’ racing manager, Frank Berry: “He was running well when tipping up three out at Listowel and will now go for a handicap.”
Hopes that McCoy would complete a double were dashed when Cool Running struggled to get the three miles of the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Captain Christy Novice Chase.
Held up for much of the journey, the hot-pot, backed from 5-4 to evens, had a bit to do turning in as Paul Carberry shot way on Whataboutya.
Cool Running was soon in pursuit, but never threatened to close down the leader and was three lengths adrift at the line.
Tony Mullins produced a fine training performance to take the John Costigan Memorial Novice Hurdle with Bye The Best and then promptly handed the credit over to Carberry, who was initiating a double.
“That’s the best I have ever seen Carberry, he was brilliant”, exclaimed Mullins, after his charge had swept past the flattering I Dont Know heading to the final flight.
The Definite Article gelding hadn’t run since last November and Mullins explained his absence. “He had a leg problem, but is back now and seems to be alright. He was wrong in his wind when we bought him, but is a fair horse and, hopefully, will be able to do this again.”
Eugene O’Sullivan continued his excellent form when A Good Excuse stayed on dourly to land the Glenary Handicap Chase.
Confidently handled by the talented Paddy Flood, the winner forged ahead going to the last to beat Chevaux Loco snugly enough in the end.
Said O’Sullivan: “He’s not a bad horse and was a bit unlucky at Listowel. He needs real good ground and we will try and find something similar.”
Maureen Danagher, who went so close to landing the Kerry National at Listowel with Ballycullen Boy, has another decent sort on her hands in Rathmore Castle, who ran away with the Bumper to the tune of 15 lengths.
“I’d have settled for a short head”, quipped the trainer, after Corky Carroll had eased the Topanoora gelding ahead early in the straight.
Danagher, who only has Rathmore Castle six weeks, continued: “We will see how how is, but he’s a very good jumper and will probably go hurdling.”
Noel Brett’s Sheshali redeemed the promise of his second to Queen Althea at Killarney when taking the Kilmore three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
Strongly handled by Shay Barry, he got to the front between the final two flights and was always holding Flexible Friend on the flat.
The Irish Coursing Club Handicap Hurdle provided a terrific tussle between Contradeal and El Jo, who went toe-to-toe to the final flight.
El Jo, however, was slightly awkward at the obstacle and it probably made all the difference as in-form Shane Jackson drove Contradeal to score by the minimum margin.
