Marseillais comes good in spectacular style
Admittedly, Edward O’Grady’s charge had been costly to follow, but everything is relative and modest opposition and a change of tactics saw the grey bound home 18 lengths to the good.
He was soon clear for Andrew McNamara and it was just a case of flicking over the final couple of flights to beat Benny’s Quest.
Said O’Grady: “I’m delighted, he seems to like good ground and will be put away now. It was a weak race and, as he seems to stay well, he (McNamara) did the right thing.”
The third division of the same race was notable for the sizeable off-course gamble landed by the Maureen Danagher-trained Windix.
Taken as high as 25-1 and 20’s in the offices, such fancy prices were never on offer on the track and he was returned at 5-1.
David Flannery sent him on approaching the home turn and Windix stretched right away to score by eight lengths.
Said Danagher: “He was watching everything the last day except himself, he has taken time to come to himself. Novice hurdling will be next.”
The stewards inquired into the apparent improvement in the form of Windix and, with conflicting explanations from trainer and rider, the matter was referred onto the Appeals and Referrals Committee.
Guess, who had promised on a couple of occasions last season, stayed on doggedly to take the www.limerickraces.ie Maiden Hurdle.
He challenged Caola Man two out and was driven to the front at the last by Davy Russell to score by a length. Russell now leads Ruby Walsh 76-72 in the jockeys’ championship.
Commented trainer, Arthur Moore: “I expect he will go chasing, he’s been knocking on the door for a while.”
Kirbybroguelantern, owned by the Brogue Lanterns Syndicate, headed by well-known Tralee businessman, Bill Kirby, toyed with his rivals in the Book 2008 Annual Membership Maiden Hurdle.
Partnered by Kevin Coleman, the six-year-old cruised into the lead going to the second last to score with any amount in hand.
“His jumping was a bit deliberate and it will take a few more runs for him to get his act together”, reported trainer, Tom Hogan. “He will jump a fence eventually.”
Curragh Mountain was the business in the ring for the first division of the December 26-29 Christmas Racing Maiden Hurdle, 9-10 from 11-10.
He edged ahead off the home turn for Ruby Walsh, but Moon Mix and Paul Carberry were soon in his slipstream.
Moon Mix got in just a little tight to the final flight, but found enough for hands and heels riding to score by half a length.
Rosangla made every yard of the running, in the hands of Barry Cash, to take the Easyfix Rubber Products Handicap Hurdle by an easy seven lengths. The mare is trained by Frank Oakes, who is Cash’s father-in-law.
It was the first time the new Easyfix hurdles, which are a combination of rubber and plastic, were used in a race.
Ruby Walsh, who rode third placed All Sorts Star, said they “rode great and were first-class.”
