Townend rides out claim with treble
He began with yet another polished display aboard Indian Spring in the Metal Man Novice Hurdle. Edward O’Grady’s charge had been utterly frustrating, but did his job nicely, after the pilot had partnered him with real patience.
Commented Townend: “That’s the first winner I’ve ridden for Mr O’Grady. I only ever rode one other for him and that was on the flat. He did it nicely and was probably the best horse in the race!”
Indian Spring ranged up to join issue with Bannow Rose two out and was in front at the final flight.
He didn’t do a great deal once edging ahead, but found enough to score by a cosy length and a half. Indian Spring was backed from 9-4 to 7-4 favourite.
Townend was also on the mark when guiding well-backed Willie Mullins-trained Watchurhouse to a smooth success in the Guillamene Maiden Hurdle.
This was the youngster at his best, as he sat nonchalantly in seventh spot coming away from the third last.
By the time the final flight was on the radar, though, Watchurhouse was in front and he crossed the line three and a half lengths to the good, hardly knowing he’d been in a race.
Townend then completed the hat-trick with an immaculate performance on Paul Nolan’s Burren Bob in the beginners chase. It was the first time he had ever ridden for Nolan.
Townend sat motionless between the final two fences, as Plaisir D’Estruval made the dash for the line.
Coming away from the obstacle, however, Burren Bob swept past and was well on top close home.
Said Nolan: “That was super from young Townend, this is a difficult horse to ride.”
Townend has now lost his right to claim.
Richard Cotter, who trains at Ballynoe, Co Cork, saddled his first winner when Cruising Katie landed the Graun Hill Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The daughter of Beneficial is the only horse he currently has in his care. “I have had a licence for about three years and, hopefully, this will be the first of many”, said a delighted Cotter.
Cruising Katie was given an an enterprising drive by Lenny Flynn. He left her stride on going out for the final time, running clear of well-backed Glitter Baby in the closing stages.
Master’n Commander, runner-up at Downpatrick previously, redeemed the promise of that effort with a clear-cut success in the Pickardstown Handicap Hurdle.
He got a superb drive from talented 7lbs claimer Conor O’Farrell, who waited out the back for much of the journey.
O’Farrell had the winner right in the mix two out, however, and Master’n Commander quickly asserted, scoring by nine lengths.
Arthur Moore’s son, John Daniel, on his first day having runners, got away to a flier when Nataani took the Bumper.
Confidently handled by Laura Hourigan, Nataani made most, shooting well clear through the final two furlongs.
Moore, however, missed seeing the half-brother to Patsy Hall doing the business, having gone point-to-pointing.
The particularly moderate Newtown Handicap Chase went to Adrian Maguire’s Paddy Joe and Shane Jackson.
The Luso gelding made just about all the running, staying on doggedly from two out to beat Euro Gypsy.
Martin Ferris, who rode Euro Gypsy, was suspended for two days for failing to obey the starter’s instructions.
