Front-running Heart Of Fire far too good for rivals
The son of Mujadil made just about all the running, powering clear under Declan McDonogh from the furlong pole to beat Spring Tale by three and a half lengths.
He is owned by Jody McGrath, a member of one of the most famous racing families this country has ever produced. McGrath, he partnered Master Barry in Santa Claus’ Irish Derby at the Curragh in 1964, remarked: “That’s the first good horse I’ve had for a while.”
Tracey Collins was full of praise for the Cork executive after her Cuilaphuca had taken the six furlongs Charleville Cheese Race.
“It was borderline whether we would run or not, but Cork has done a superb job with the watering”, said a clearly delighted Collins.
The frustrating Flash McGahon looked likely to score when touching the front inside the furlong pole, but was finally worried out of it courtesy of Pat Shanahan’s hard driving.
“We have always held this filly in high regard, but she’s inconsistent”, said Collins. “On her day she’s good, but there’s no middle line with her.”
Aidan O’Brien ran two in the featured Group 3 Kerry Group Noblesse Stakes and one of them, the 14-1 shot Ice Queen, won in good style.
Despite a marked tendency to swish her tail, the Danehill Dancer three-year-old edged ahead over a furlong down to beat the dead-heaters, Beach Bunny and Profound Beauty.
Ice Queen had previously finished out with the washing in the Epsom Oaks when last of 16 behind Look Here.
David Wachman continued his good form when What’s Up Pussycat justified favouritism in the Cheestrings Auction Maiden.
The 7-4 favourite, from 2-1, forged ahead at the furlong pole for Wayne Lordan to easily beat Redera.
“She’s in the Tattersalls Sales Race at Fairyhouse in August and that will be her target”, reported Wachman.
Willie McCreery, who has 25 horses, trained his first winner when appropriately priced 25-1 shot Toasted Special took the Kerry Group Handicap.
On the pace throughout for Willie Supple, the daughter of Johannesburg was pretty much in control from the furlong pole. McCreery is, of course, better known as one of the best footballers who played for Kildare during the Mick O’Dwyer era and he starred at centre-field when Kildare were beaten by Galway in the 1998 All-Ireland final.
Dermot Weld’s Alaneed redeemed the promise of a half-decent effort at Listowel when landing the Golden Olive Maiden. Pushed ahead a furlong and a half out by Pat Smullen, Alaneed surged clear to beat well-backed favourite Time Travel, who didn’t appear the most enthusiastic.
Weld’s horses have been struggling for some form of late and this was the stable’s first success since Lunduv scored at Leopardstown on June 4.
Roy’s Delight and Seamus Heffernan arrived late and fast in the Move Over Butter Handicap, to end a much longer losing spell for trainer, Eddie Harty.
This was his first winner since Captain Cee Bee took the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
