Burke reticent about Arkle for Thyne Again
Admittedly, he had his task considerably eased when market-leader, Scotsirish, fell when apparently full of running five from home. But Thyne Again was moving smoothly at the time in any case, despite making a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes along the way.
He was cantering all over the opposition heading to the penultimate fence and Davy Russell really had no choice but to allow him stride on shortly after the obstacle to score with plenty in hand by 15 lengths.
Cashmans went 20-1 for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham, Boylesports offered 14-1, but William Hill were more impressed and tightened him from 16-1 to 10’s.
It remains to be seen, however, if he will be on the Festival team. Said Burke: “My gut feeling is I am terrified of the place.
“He has had a leg problem in the past and I would be worried about going there. But, I suppose, if the ground was to come up soft, then he would have to go. I will talk it over with the owners. He missed out the two ditches today, but Davy said he was just moving too easy.”
The ex-French horse Pomme Tiephy confirmed the promise of her two successes at Cork and Thurles previously with a fine display to land the Woodlands Park Novice Chase.
A brilliant jumper, she made her only semblance of an error when getting in too close to the final fence.
Always near the front, the mare threw superb leaps three out and at the second last and turned in with the contest in safe keeping bar a fall.
Trainer, Willie Mullins, expressed his “delight” at the performance. “I will look at the Moriarty (Leopardstown, Feb. 10), but that may come too soon”, revealed Mullins.
He does, of course, already have another exciting mare, J’y Vole, waiting in the wings for that Grade 1.
Continued Mullins: “We will also look at the SunAlliance (Cheltenham) and whether she might run before that I don’t know.
“I know she was getting a lot of weight today, but she is improving and is a great jumper.”
Siege Of Ennis struck a blow for the four-year-olds when taking the Frank Conroy Memorial Maiden Hurdle with any amount in hand, initiating a double for Andrew McNamara.
Eddie Harty’s charge stormed to the front heading to the last to score unextended by four lengths from Emotional Melody.
“I’m pleased with that, I was half-reluctant to take on the older horses, but love Leopardstown”, commented Harty.
“We will stick him in the Triumph Hurdle, but don’t know about that. We will see what the next month brings.”
The Budgee ran out a very lucky winner of the Clarkson Financial and Property Handicap Chase. Heading to the last he was destined for a place at best.
Tailor’s Hall, who kicked clear off the home turn, had to the contest in the bag rising to the fence, but took a fatal fall and two others went here as well, Marhaba Million and Holly Tree.
The carnage left The Budgee in splendid isolation, as he eased away to complete a double for Davy Russell.
“I think we would have been a good second”, said trainer, Michael P Hourigan. “We usually ride the horse more prominently, but held on to him here, fearing the two miles and three.
“I gave him an entry in the Arkle (Cheltenham) and we probably will go back to taking on novices now for the rest of the season.”
Charles Byrnes’ Liskennett came right back to her best when outstaying the opposition in the Toshiba Novice Hurdle.
Given a fine drive by Niall Madden, she swept on early in the straight as heavily-backed favourite, Our Bob went in pursuit.
There was little between them rising to the last, but Our Bob hit the flight and his chance was quickly gone.
Siegemaster finished to real effect, but it was too little too late and he was still a neck down at the line.
“We thought she’d win at Limerick, but ran free and couldn’t handle the very heavy ground”, reported Byrnes.
“She will be entered in the three mile novice hurdle at Cheltenham, that trip will suit. She is at her best on good to yielding ground and her mother (Generosa) won there.”
Madden, however, was suspended for two days, having been found guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency.
The Irish Examiner Handicap Hurdle was won in tremendous style by Eric McNamara’a Bellflower Boy, who was completing a spectacular four-timer.
He had gone up no less than 21lbs for his previous three successes, but this tough sort again defied the handicapper.
Given a terrific drive by Barry Geraghty, Bellflower Boy got a smashing run up the inside to get the best of a tough battle with Here Comes Sally and Take Your Mark.
“He’s as game as a pebble and a lovely, lovely horse”, said McNamara, fresh from a double at Navan on Saturday.
“That was Barry Geraghty at his brilliant best.
“I have no idea what will be next, we will keep going until Mr O’Brien (handicapper) gets us. He will win more races, please God.”
Dermot Weld’s newcomer, Endless Intrigue, held on for dear life to resist the late rush of City Meaning in the Bumper.
“He will run in a winners’ race in a few weeks and we’ll what he is then”, said Weld, with more than a hint of realism.
