Walsh goes seven clear
The Dermot Weld-trained four-year-old, backed from 7/2 to 5/2, was following-up a maiden success at Kilbeggan last Friday, quickening clear impressively on the approach to the second last flight before beating Helvic Head eased down by six lengths.
“He’s a better horse than I thought,” admitted Walsh after dismounting the son of Theatrical while winning trainer Weld, speaking by phone, quipped: “Follow a winning team, myself and Ruby. He gave the horse a super ride again. He’s an improving horse. I’ll try to find another ‘novice’ for him.”
Earlier, Tommy Ryan gave the Michael O’Brien trained Two Timer a confident ride to land the Executive Marquees Maiden Hurdle, prompting O’Brien’s assistant Denis Cullen to comment: “He was unlucky at Tipperary (where he made a costly mistake at the second last) but has come on well since then. He won’t take much racing ao we won’t over-face him.”
In the flat action, apprentice Shane Foley continued in top form when rallying Babel to beat Richelieu in the final furlong of the Bank Of Scotland (Ireland) Handicap. The Eddie Lynam-trained filly was Foley’s fifteenth winner of the season.
Meanwhile, at Wexford, favourite-backers enjoyed a successful time in the hurdle action as short-priced ‘jollies’ Meadow Vale and King Ralph landed the maiden hurdles and locally-trained Lady Steppes recorded a smooth success in the Three Rocks Handicap Hurdle.
Surprisingly easy-to-back but still sent off 4/5 favourite, 120-rated Meadow Vale looked set for an easy win in the Blackstairs Maiden Hurdle when cruising into the lead after the third last flight. But, untidy at the final obstacle, he had to be shaken-up by 7lb. claimer Robert McCarth to beat Posthouse Lady. Connections confirmed a step-up in class as the plan for the gelding.
Jessica Harrington saddled her third hurdle winner in as many days when King Ralph, ridden by Andrew Leigh, won the Sliabh Coilte Maiden Hurdle, fighting back well on the run-in, having been headed briefly, by runner-up Port La Cheine.
Kevin Manning had an armchair ride on board the Jim Bolger-trained Via Galilei, a significant class-dropper, in the opening Mount Leinster Maiden.
Willie Mullins will consider another flat handicap as a build-up to the valuable Lartigue 4-Y-0 Handicap Hurdle at Listowel for Dani California following her win, under Davy Condon, in the Vinegar Hill Handicap. Dani California, successful over hurdles at Tramore recently, cruised past First Symphony turning for home, before holding the late challenge of Lyceum ad Kevin Manning by three quarters of a length.
Trainer Conor O’Dwyer faces an investigation by the Turf Club following an unusual incident prior to the Blackstairs Maiden Hurdle, when the Turf Club vet was unable to positively identify his Cornfield Road, on examination, prior to the race. Neither the horse’s markings or micro chip corresponded with the horse in question.
