De Senectute hacks up on debut for Mullins
Previously trained by Robert Tyner and having his first run since joining Willie Mullins, De Senectute proved the easiest winner of the night, coasting to an emphatic nine lengths win over Lus Na Hoiche in the Coleman Quarries Handicap.
The five-year-old mare took command on the turn two furlongs from home and readily stretched clear, prompting Smullen to comment: “She loved the fast ground and was tanking all the way. It was probably a moderate race. I was waiting for something to come at me but nothing came and I had plenty in the tank.”
Smullen was seen at his patient best on board Snap Alam which turned over front-running, odds-on favourite Knight Eagle in the Irish Stallion Farms Race. The Ascot Gold Cup winning rider nursed Snap Alam along, produced her to challenge inside the final furlong and, ridden out with hands and heels, she got the better of Sam James’ mount by a neck.
Winning trainer Joanna Morgan said: “It’s been a very lucky track for me over the years. I wish they had more meetings here. This filly ran well here in the spring and deserved to get her head in front. She got a lovely ride from Pat.”
Jim Gorman, who ended a long losing run last week, was on the mark again when course specialist All About Timing landed the Purcell Construction Handicap.
Ridden by Chris Hayes, the tough five-year-old hit the front at the furlong-pole and stayed on to beat Lady Songbird by three-quarters of a length to record his third win over course and distance.
Gorman was one of many successful trainers not present. But Hayes commented: “Jim’s horses are back in business after being sick for a while. This horse is tough and seems to love it around here.”
Hayes’ bid for a double on favourite Hildor in the concluding maiden was foiled when, after a slightly troubled run, he finished strongly but failed to catch front-running Table Forty Six, forcibly ridden by Declan McDonogh for Ken Condon.
Like Gorman, fellow Curragh handler Michael Grassick has endured a lean time this season. But he enjoyed a welcome change of luck when Philosophers Guest made all under Danny Mullins to win the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap. Grassick explained: “It’s great to win with her, as she’s Gemini Diamond’s first foal. The horses have been sick so it’s great this filly got us back on track.”
Earlier, Grangeclare Gold continued Dessie Hughes’ successful run when, ridden by Padraig Roche, she outpointed Angela’s Ashes in the John Madden & Sons (Amateur) Race. In the absence of Hughes, the winning rider confirmed: “She’s a nice mare, travelled well and loved the fast ground.”
