Days Hotel delivers in style
Handled in typically confident style by Andrew Lynch, he powered to the front coming away from the third last.
Pickapocketortwo, taken from 5-2 to 2-1, was soon out after the leader and, momentarily, appeared to be a big threat turning for home.
But Lynch had saved plenty and Days Hotel quickly skipped clear to score unextended by 14 lengths.
Commented de Bromhead: “We always liked him at home, but he’s had a couple of disappointing runs.
“He seems to relish two miles and the good, strong gallop suited. He will run next in a novice hurdle and then go chasing after May.”
Jim Will Fix It justified favouritism with a fine front-running display to land the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Maiden Hurdle.
He was partnered by Stephen Byrne to win two bumpers and the 21-year-old from New Inn was again entrusted with the ride.
He wasn’t found wanting, sending Jim Will Fix It straight into the lead and this sweet-jumper was never headed.
All three of Byrne’s successes on the track have come with the six-year-old and he has seven winners to his credit in point-to-points.
Trainer, Seamus Roche, said: “This horse is tough and game and will jump even better on better ground. He will go to Punchestown for something.”
A fair old gamble went astray on the Andrew McNamara-trained Dance The Devil in the Bumper. Returned at 5-1, he was taken as high as 20’s in the morning.
He coasted ahead downhill to the straight, but was eventually run out of it and beaten half a length by the persistent Charles Byrnes-trained newcomer, Saoirse’s Sister and Derek Fox.
Commented Byrnes: “She was working well and we were hoping to be in the first four. She will probably go for a hurdle race and I think Derek is a very promising rider.”
Fox is 18-years-of-age and comes from Sligo. This was his third winner on the track and he has two in the point-to-point fields.
“The last time I rode a winner Moses was in the boy scouts,” quipped Ken Whelan, after he had guided the gambled-on Last Time D’albain to victory in the Comeragh Handicap Hurdle.
It wasn’t quite as bad as that, however, although it was in January of last year aboard Ballyvoile at Limerick, 403 days ago.
The seven-year-old was backed from 16-1 to 10’s and skipped ahead over two out to easily beat Molko Jack.
“I was hoping he would do that,” said trainer, Liam Cusack. “He is in again at Limerick on Saturday, so we will see how he is.”
Bobs Display redeemed the promise of a couple of recent efforts when taking the Slievenamon Beginners Chase in the hands of Colin Motherway.
She seemed to be nicely in control going to the last, but was awkward at the obstacle and had to be driven out to the line to hold Scouting Party.
“It’s nice to get that out of the way,” said trainer, Colm Murphy. “We will try and get some black type for her now.”
John Murphy’s Whatsabillion, partnered by David Splaine, forged ahead going to two out to beat Whosaidso by ten lengths in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
“He got a great ride and his light weight was a help,” remarked Murphy.
