Glenfinn Captain continues on an upward curve with a smooth success
He was never at the peak of his powers last season, going through the entire campaign without winning. Indeed, the nine-year-old almost died of colic in January of 2007, but has been nursed back to full health by Tom Taaffe.
“He is obviously coming to himself”, exclaimed a delighted Taaffe. Glenfinn Captain jumped beautifully and had the look of a winner a fair way out.
Barry Geraghty allowed his partner to join front-running One Cool Cookie at the second last and then only had to push him out to score by five lengths.
“We will have to think again now, but that opens a few doors”, said Taaffe. “We have lots of options, but I want to say that J P (McManus, owner) has been very patient with me and this horse.”
Disappointment of the contest was uneasy market-leader, Snowy Morning. He jumped well for the most part, but began to struggle badly from the fifth last.
Willie Mullins indicated he may well let Snowy Morning, who hadn’t been working well, take his chance in the Durkan at Punchestown.
Chelsea Harbour outclassed his rivals in the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle, never giving Ruby Walsh any cause for concern.
Always tracking the leaders, the winner coasted ahead going to two out to score with any amount in hand.
Trainer Tom Mullins was represented by his wife, Helen, who said: “He will run next in the Troytown Chase at Navan.
“He stayed really well and Ruby was thrilled with him. Ruby thinks the Welsh National (Chepstow) could be his race.”
Brian Moran saddled his first winner, for the third time, when Fortune Seeker took the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle.
The mare had previously been successful twice over flights, but lost both races on a technicality.
John Cullen took her straight into the lead and Fortune Seeker was far too strong for heavily-backed favourite Swift Counsel from the second last.
Commented Moran: “The ground was a bit of an unknown, but she’s tough. We will probably have to keep her in for a bit longer now.”
Bohemian Lass, trained by Bill Harney for Riona Molony, wife of Thurles racecourse supremo, Pierce, ran away with the Listed EBF T.A Morris Memorial Mares Chase. In doing so, she completed a double for Cullen.
The daughter of Moscow Society led coming away from two out and quickly stretched eight lengths to the good over Stonehouse.
Quizzed as to what he might do with the substantial prize-money, supremo-Molony quipped: “Maybe, I’ll paint the press-room at Thurles.”
Another Willie Mullins inmate, Pomme Tiepy, performed badly and was beaten a long way from home. She was subsequently found to be lame behind.
By The Hour continued the fine run of Robert Tyner when streaking away with the Clonmel Oil Day Handicap Hurdle.
Carrying the colours of the five-member Who Are The Five Syndicate from Kinsale, the mare eased ahead going to the the turn in for Philip Enright and then powered 13 lengths clear of Lucky Spring.
“She loved the ground and will probably head for a mares handicap hurdle at Gowran Park”, reported Tyner’s wife, Mary.
The Michael Winters trained Johnny Gonzalez made just about all the running to take the Prior Park Service Station Clonmel Handicap Chase by a whopping 18 lengths for Martin Ferris.
“Martin is like the prodigal son, he won on this horse before and has come back and done it again”, said Winters.
Michael Butler’s newcomer, Lismakeeery, stretched on down hill to the straight to land the Bumper by nine lengths.
In doing so he gave his 25-year-old pilot, Robert Quinn from Kilkenny, his first winner in Ireland. He has, however, five to his credit in England as an amateur and claiming professional.
Pat Foley, who rode third placed Final Thyne, was suspended for one day for using his whip with excessive frequency.
* Cork have abandoned their scheduled chases on Sunday due to waterlogging and will instead stage a seven-race all-hurdle card.
