Eagle’s Pass again on Galway Hurdle trail after smooth win
“That has been his target since last year”, confirmed Eagle’s Pass’ trainer, Thomond O’Mara. “He will head straight there now and, hopefully, will have a trouble-free run.”
The six-year-old travelled sweetly throughout for Paddy Flood, cruising in the slipstream of Rathmore Castle turning for home.
Flood eased ahead away from the third last, the winner was awkward at the obstacle and again at the next, and Eagle’s Pass did the rest to score with plenty in hand.
Rathmore Castle, a strong order in the ring, was disappointing. He led six out, but was running on empty when making a bad mistake and parting company with Michael Darcy at the final flight.
Paul Cashman has his string in terrific shape and he was on the mark again when Rebel Acclaim took the Dermot Casey Plant Hire and Tree Care Handicap under a fine Ben Curtis drive.
The winner made most of the running, kicking away from the three furlong pole and then holding on close home as Jack Travers closed to within half a length.
“She is in again at Killarney next Wednesday and will probably run”, reported Cashman. “Ben has ridden three winners for me now and is great value for 7lbs.”
Ruby Walsh made the journey south for just one ride, Grand Corniche in the Mallow Vintners’ Maiden Hurdle, and it duly obliged.
Walsh was typically patient, before producing his charge with impeccable timing to cut down market-lead, Betheholygobs, from the last.
Said Walsh: “The blinkers made the difference, I knew it was over all over after two hurdles!”
Willie Mullins’ newcomer Meath All Star, by Presenting and from the family of Gaye Brief, justified favouritism when outclassing his rivals in the Bumper.
Always on the pace for Patrick Mullins, the winner was in front early in the straight, drawing right away to score by six lengths.
“He’s been doing things right at home for a while and will probably go to Galway now for a winners’ race”, said Mullins.
Irish Heartbeat, absent since performing with promise at the Curragh in early May, landed the Hibernian Hotel Maiden in the hands of Willie Supple.
David Myerscough’s gelding quickened up in fine style to ease past the flattering Soul Murmur, with heavily-backed favourite, Luminaire, running no sort of race back in 12th.
Peter Casey’s Ireland’s Call ran away with the Kostal Ireland GMBH Handicap, totally reversing previous placings at Leopardstown with Luck Wud Have It.
Powered ahead under two furlongs down by Declan McDonogh, he quickly swept four and a half lengths clear of front-running Pyrenees. Galway now looms on the horizon for the seven-year-old.
John Morrison’s Hill Fairy treated the opposition with contempt in the EPS Pumping and Treatment Mares Handicap Hurdle.
Carrying the steadier of 11-10, the mare ran her rivals ragged in the capable hands of Martin Ferris.
She made every yard of the running and, despite diving at the third last, crossed the line ten lengths clear of Secret Admirer.
