Front-running Away We Go makes light of heavy going
Emergency Exit tried hard to close in the straight, but could never get on terms, despite the winner being quite awkward over the final flight.
The strapping son of Stowaway gave his trainer, Tim Cleary - who is based near Thurles - a first success on the track in a bumper at Kilbeggan and this doubled the tally.
Quizzed as to how long he has held a licence, Cleary responded: “A good while. I have been waiting a long time for a horse like this and think he will make a grand chaser.”
Philip Enright, who partnered fourth placed Final Question, was suspended for four days for improper riding.
Paul Townend added to his growing reputation when giving Mystical Breeze an excellent drive to take the Newton Abbot Races Handicap Hurdle.
He always had Michael Hourigan’s charge, successful at Cork previously, travelling sweetly, waiting until off the home turn to make his move.
Mystical Breeze landed in front two out and, despite being untidy at the final flight, was always holding Dorset Square on the flat.
Hourigan missed the contest, at home with a back problem, and was represented by his son, Michael junior, who said: “The horse has come right and will tip away in this type of contest.”
Harbour View, trained by Patrick Hayes, a brother of top flat jockey, Chris, took the Resource Garryowen Plate Handicap Chase.
Second behind Cochise at Thurles, he redeemed the promise of that effort, forging ahead between the final two fences for Philip Enright.
Commented Hayes: “It’s great he has come back to form and great to win at your local track.”
When market-leader Noubian jumped ahead four out, and then stretched well clear, the Ladies Handicap Hurdle looked done and dusted.
Be he stopped to a walk in the straight and The Dew At Night, and the capable Clare MacMahon, easily went past to beat Matchbook by 13 lengths.
Commented trainer, Charles Byrnes: “He’s a horse with ability, but has been disappointing.”
Hangover, who gave Conor O’Dwyer a first winner, took the trainer’s total to four with an easy success in the Mr Binman Maiden Hurdle, leaving a poor effort at Cork behind.
The well-backed favourite cruised through the contest, easing to the front early in the straight to score with his head in his chest for Nicki O’Shea.
“I cannot explain what happened at Cork”, reported O’Dwyer. “He’s an old-fashioned type of horse and should make a good chaser.”
Bandearg, penalised 4lbs for winning 16 lengths at Downpatrick, failed to complete a hat-trick in the South’s Bar Handicap Hurdle.
She held every chance turning in, but was always struggling to close down Charlie Swan’s Drive On Jim, powered ahead at the last by Lenny Flynn.
“That’s a little bit of a surprise”, said Swan. “He’s been working well lately, but his form wasn’t very good.”
Swan, also on the mark with Hotterthanjuly at Navan, made it three for the day when General Wellington took the Glenview Beginners Chase.
It looked rather a moderate heat, with Richard Harding keeping General Wellington up to his work to beat Bellflower Lad, who hung towards the stands on the flat.
Robert Tyner, absent at a point-to-point in Kilkenny, missed seeing his 17-year-old son, Jack, guide Square Sphere to victory in the Bumper.
The 17-year-old Leaving Certificate student was enjoying his first winner on his first ever ride.
He got a dream run up the inside through the final two furlongs and the daughter of Oscar was in total control in the closing stages to score by five and a half lengths.
Square Sphere carried the colours of the youngster’s mother, Mary, who said: “She will now go hurdling.”
