Jayo puts it all together to land decent prize
Confidently handled by Davy Condon, the five-year-old scored with ridiculous ease and, one imagines, will face a fair old hike in the weights in the future.
It was almost as if Jayo had joined in going to the third last, so easily did he canter into the lead.
Condon was able to sit motionless for most of the straight, as the winner slipped clear without being asked any sort of question.
A reasonable eighth behind Wingman at Newbury previously, plans are on hold for the progressive gelding with Mullins on duty at Fairyhouse.
Charlie Swan enjoyed a welcome turn when Valain made a successful debut over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase.
Soon in front for Denis Hogan, he gave an exhibition of jumping, except for getting in a trifle close to the third last, and had this in safe keeping a long way out.
“The allowance five-year-old’s get is a big help”, said Swan. “He’s been a natural over fences from the start, but we won’t be aiming too high.”
Ready To Tap, trained in Wexford by Martina Doran, landed a little touch in the Coolmore Antonius Pius Maiden, 33-1 to 16’s.
He did his job in style, quickening well to hit the front over a furlong down for Fran Berry to beat Admiral Barry a cosy three parts of a length.
“He only had one run last season and I took care of him”, reported Doran. “He’s come back a nice, strong horse and, hopefully, will improve.”
Dermot Weld continued his good start to the season when the diminutive Luxie took the Fermoy Handicap.
Driven ahead less than two furlongs down by Pat Smullen, the well-bred daughter of Acclamation was always proving too strong for Last Emperor.
Weld was represented by his son, Kris, who said: “She’s small, but brave as a lion and will go for something similar.”
Declan McDonogh took a tumble from Gra Geal Mo Chroi entering the straight, but escaped unscathed, although stood down for the rest of the day.
The Munster Waste Management Maiden Hurdle didn’t take a lot of winning, but the Edward O’Grady-trained Master Hayward could hardly have done his job any better.
Tommy Treacy powered him into the lead shortly after the third from home and he stretched away to beat fast-finishing The Breathalyser.
The seven-year-old is by Anshan and carried the colours of Susan Mahony from Douglas, Co Cork.
John Joe Walsh provided the layers with a tasty end to the day when his 25-1 shot Keats Dream took the Bumper.
The daughter of Turtle Island got the front a furlong out to beat Conor O’Dwyer’s promising newcomer, Action Packed.
Keats Dream was partnered by 20-year-old Ambrose McCurtin from Fermoy, who was enjoying a first success on the track. He has four winners to his credit in point-to-points.
Commented Walsh: “This mare will probably go for the Bewleys’ Bumper at the Punchestown Festival.”
Tim Doyle’s Twin Sun’s made all the running in the hands of Rory Cleary to win the Blarney Handicap.
Davy Condon, who suffered a soft tissue injury to his thumb aboard the pulled up Rockfield Boy in the Beginners Chase, will have to pass the doctor today before being allowed ride Homer Wells in the Irish National at Fairyhouse.
