Drop in trip proves just the tonic for New Phase
Returning to his optimum trip of two miles, the Dermot Weld trained New Phase ran out a facile four lengths winner of the Jason Fallon Live December 12th Hurdle, beating the highly-rated Jered.
New Phase is owned by Weld’s son Kris, who commented: “He didn’t really get home over the longer trip at Naas the last day. But two miles around here in soft ground was ideal. I’ll have to discuss plans with dad, but he might have a break with a view to going chasing in the New Year.”
McNamara completed his double when the John Kiely trained Mississippi River, a costly failure at Galway last time, justified 2/5 favouritism in the bumper.
Confidently handled, he cruised through to get the better of Grove Pride, being merely pushed out by McNamara in the final furlong to score by four lengths.
Trainer Kiely commented: “He’s always been a very promising horse and was unlucky to run into trouble the last day. But he has lived up to expectations today. He’s still quite immature and will stay in bumpers this season.”
Niall ‘Slipper’s Madden, out of luck in J P McManus’ colours on Jered, enjoyed better fortune when Ainama, trained by his father Niall (Boots), landed the www.corkracecourse.ie Handicap Hurdle at the expense of Big Game Hunter.
The winning trainer said: “He wants that ground and a trip and won well. He’s won two from four since we got him, which isn’t too bad. We have no definite plans for him, but he’ll campaign away in these three-milers.”
Charlie Swan’s fortunes have turned a corner in recent days and he recorded his third win this week when the consistent Second Glance earned her reward under David Casey in the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Chase.
Swan said: “She’s tough and deserved to get her head in front. She jumps well for a flat-bred mare. She’s not very big but she’s tough and the cheekpieces helped. She’s in the Sales next week, so I’m not sure what’s happening with her.”
A horse with plenty of potential and having his second run over fences, the Mouse Morris-trained Elysian Rock, ridden by Mick Ferris, proved too strong for the luckless Spring The Que in the beginners chase.
The Harrison family, now based in County Laois, struck in the opening maiden hurdle when Career Move, trained by Cathy Harrison and ridden by her daughter Kate, proved a half-length too good for locally-trained Golden Society.
Trainer Paul Nolan, in Punchestown, was not present to see his mare Revelling belatedly open her account over hurdles in the www.racinghomeofreaster.com Maiden Hurdle, holding the late run of Sonus Beauty by a half-length.
