Plain sailing for Tranquil Sea
He travelled smoothly through the contest for Andrew McNamara, as Let Yourself Go cut out the running.
Tranquil Sea was cruising on the heels of the leaders downhill to the straight and McNamara allowed him lead going to the penultimate obstacle.
After that it was plain sailing and simply a matter of getting the winner to pop the last two fences.
“This proves he can go right-handed and that was the object of the exercise,” reported O'Grady.
“He will now go for the Durkan at Punchestown, the trip is right and he will have had a run. The long-term plan is to head back to Cheltenham for the Ryanair.”
The exciting For Bill was all the rage morning prices and on track for the Grade 3 EBF TA Morris Memorial Mares’ Chase, but could only manage third spot.
She jumped really well, but tired somewhat in the straight and looks certain to do much better next time.
Victory went to Willie Mullins’ Blazing Tempo, having a first outing for the yard, who was too strong from the last for Cool Quest.
Commented Mullins: “I’m very pleased, Paul (Townend) felt she didn’t handle that ground too well and would prefer it better.
“She will go for a winners’ chase and we will probably keep her to these mares races.”
A change of tactics worked the oracle for Charlie Swan’s Start Me Up, who had been very costly to follow of late, in the INH Stallion Owners’ EBF Novice Hurdle.
“The jockey (Davy Russell) was good there,” exclaimed Swan, after his charge had been held up for a late burst.
Favourite, Our Victoria, edged ahead off the home turn, but couldn’t hold the winner, after Start Me Up had pitched at the back of the obstacle.
“He’s been frustrating,” accepted Swan. “But he seems suited to travelling further and being dropped in and will probably go three miles at some stage.”
Jacks Island, partnered by Declan Bates, stayed on dourly to beat well-supported Harold’s Cross in the Clonmel Oil Day Handicap Hurdle.
“I’m delighted for Declan, it’s a while since he rode a winner for us,” said trainer, Philip Rothwell. “That the first time that horse has worn a tongue-tie and it was a big help.”
Davy Condon gave Gordon Elliott’s The Shepherd a delightful drive to land the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle.
The Shepherd was only sixth approaching two out, but could clearly be mapped as the most likely winner.
Condon was sitting virtually motionless and once he produced his charge at the final flight there was only going to be one result.
Undergraaduate, trained by Michael O’Callaghan at Dromina, Co Cork, justified 16-1 to 10-1 in the Prior Park Service Station Clonmel Handicap Chase.
Martin Ferris was seen to advantage, powering Undergraduate through in the dying strides to grab the flattering Ar Aghaidh Leat.
O’Callaghan has seven inmates in his care, has held a licence for some three years and this was his second success, the first also coming with Undergraduate at Tramore.
Bookmakers ended the day with a screamer in the Bumper, with Jim Will Fix It scoring at 20-1 and over 57-1 on the tote.
He went to the front off the home turn and never flinched to beat Willie Mullins’ newcomer, Rolly Baby, by two and a half lengths.
Stephen Byrne, 21 years-of age and from Cashel, was in the plate and this was his first winner on the track.
Trainer, Seamus Roche, said: “We were expecting a very good run, the ground was the only worry. He could now go for a winners’ bumper, but chasing will be his game.”
