Confident Russsell steers Stonemaster to victory
He moved sweetly through the contest, with Russell in no great hurry to show his hand. Russell finally made his move going to the two out, driving Dessie Hughes’ six-year-old into the lead.
The winner had already taken Catch Me’s measure, when that one hit the final flight, and had plenty left, as Won In The Dark tried to close, the verdict half a length.
Commented Hughes: “He is a nice horse and we will give him another run, at either Fairyhouse or Punchestown. This is a chaser in the making, he travels and jumps and just idles in front.”
Russell was subsequently feeling unwell and stood himself down from his remaining ride on Mossbank in the Easter Festival Handicap Chase.
This particular race was a rarity, confined to horses who were ten or older. It was certainly well supported, attracting 16 runners.
Victory went to Ponmeoath, trained by Eric McNamara who indicated he would love to see more of these type of races.
Ponmeoath, a dual winner of the Kerry National at Listowel, hadn’t won since successful in that race in 2009.
He got a cracking drive from Barry Geraghty, staying on doggedly for ferocious driving to grab the front-running Dev at the last.
“Barry was absolutely unbelievable, he gave that some drive,” said McNamara. “It is great to win another race with him.”
Temlett, formerly trained by Willie Mullins and now in the care of John Daniel Moore, son of Arthur, landed a touch in the 3-Day Easter Festival Handicap Hurdle.
He was available as high as 20-1 in the morning and far from neglected on track, finding 11-2 joint favourite.
It was a remarkable feat on the part of Moore, because Temlett hadn’t run since finishing ninth behind Solwhit at Punchestown in April of 2008.
He stripped fit and well, however, and made every yard of the running for Paul Townend, easily holding Echo Bob, who appeared to be travelling much the better for most of the straight. Moore missed the contest, preferring to go point-to-pointing instead.
The Buck, running off a mark much lower than the one he holds over flights, was a strong favourite in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
He only got as a far as the fifth, though, stepping right into the obstacle and giving pilot, David Splaine, no chance of keeping the partnership intact.
Victory went to top weight Any Bets, who forged to the front at the last to beat Mantell by two and a half lengths.
“The ground drying out was a big help,” reported winning trainer Oliver McKiernan of his charge, who was running in a handicap for the first time.
The Bumper went to the Pat Colville-trained Gullinbursti, who found plenty for Mikey Fogarty pressure to beat Just For Joe. Fogarty was subsequently suspended for two days for using his whip with excessive frequency,
Edward O’Grady’s 15-8 favourite, Do Brazil, ran no sort of race and was in trouble a long way from home.
Kieran Purcell’s Smokey Joe Joe could hardly be accused of being the most consistent horse in training, but is a fair sort when on song, and he spreadeagled the field in the Follow Us On Twitter Novice Handicap Hurdle.
Given a typically polished drive by Tom Doyle, he made virtually all the running to beat Last Time D’albain by four lengths.
Martin Ferris gave the Mouse Morris-trained Baily Dusk a strong drive to land the Student Raceday March 31st Maiden Hurdle.
Ferris forced him past the flattering Barel Of Laughs shortly after three out and the winner winged the last to confirm his superiority.
