Drop back in trip no problem for Grimshaw
The Geraghty-ridden Golden Grimshaw edged past front-running Baracas when that rival blundered at the third last flight and, clear between the last two flights, stayed on to triumph by six lengths, prompting trainer James Lambe to explain: “He was a bit unlucky in a tough race in Sligo the last day and I was concerned about coming back to two miles with him.”
He added: “But Barry was happy with him and told me he could go for another novice or a good handicap, off a low weight. I have no firm plan for him. But there might be something for him in Listowel.”
Norther Bay, which has flattered to deceive on many occasions, finally came good for Eoin Griffin in the beginners chase, Geraghty’s strong driving on the run-in providing the trainer with compensation after the earlier defeat of Baracas.
“It was Barry’s idea to try him over two and a half miles,” admitted Griffin.
“I wasn’t so sure – I thought he was real two-miler. But he was right. It’s taken a while to win a ‘beginners’; with him and we might bring him to Listowel now.”
A return to Perth next month is planned for Makhaaleb following his narrow victory over High Magic in the opening maiden hurdle, the Haafhd gelding representing the formidable combination of Gordon Elliott and Paul Carberry.
“He got a fright at Gowran back in June, when he refused, but had a nice confidence-boosting run in Perth,” explained Elliott, who continues in top form.
“He’ll be going back there in September for a novice”.
Vincent Ward intends running Striking Force back on the all-weather in Dundalk next Sunday in the wake of his hard-earned, even-money win over Harrington in the www.thetote.com Maiden Hurdle.
Ward said: “He’s been a brilliant servant, on the flat and over hurdles and he’ll go back on the flat at Dundalk next week. Fences are out, because he’s too small for that job.”
Eventide gave trainer Sean Thornton his fourth win under rules when taking the Perennials Rugby Charity Handicap Hurdle, a first win for claimer Conor Maxwell since taking a heavy fall in Kilbeggan back in June.
Favourite-backers went home happy after Avida Star, trained in County Galway by John Bleahen, confirmed the promise of her debut second at Sligo, justifying odds-on favouritism in the hands of Mikey Fogarty.
The Montjeu mare travelled strongly throughout before being driven out to beat market rival Cebuano convincingly. She’s set to go hurdling.
