Lucky Popcorn off the mark
Whether it was a fortuitous success or not, however, is certainly a matter of opinion. Backed from 8-11 to 4-7, the winner made most of the running.
Academy Rose, though, ranged up as a major danger going to the second last. Popcorn crashed through the obstacle, losing momentum, but Academy Rose, about a length down, made no effort to get to the other side and sent Davy Russell spinning to the turf.
She hampered King Lir, in third spot at the time, and that left Popcorn and Patrick Mullins with a simple task.
Commented Mullins senior: “He wants an extra half a mile, or a mile, on that ground and was probably lucky. He is a chaser for next season and I’d be delighted to get another hurdle out of him. We will be waiting for rain.”
Russell, after his tumble from Academy Rose, was stood down for the rest of the day. He was taken to hospital in Clonmel and, following an x-ray, it was revealed that he suffered a hairline fracture on his left hand and will be out for a minimum of two weeks..
Mullins’ Killultagh Queen was always odds-on in the Templemore Beginners Chase, but even those cramped prices looked reasonable value as she led off the home turn.
Kilflora, often a bridle horse in the past, was soon out after her and there was little to choose between the pair over the final fence.
On the flat, however, Kilflora buckled down surprisingly well and outfought Killultagh Queen, the verdict half a length.
Trainer Philip Fenton, said: “I’m sure the better ground was in his favour. We won’t be aiming too high, but he will keep going for another while.”
Kevin Coleman took a fall in this race from Steady Ed and suffered a fractured collarbone.
“He’s broken my heart,” remarked Charlie Swan, after his Long Strand had won the Cashel Beginners Chase by four and a half lengths.
Eased ahead before two out by David Casey, Long Strand had little difficulty holding Boxing Along.
“At one stage, I thought he was a right horse,” continued Swan, as his imposing charge finally broke his duck over jumps. “I don’t know what we will do now, maybe it will be a long-distance handicap next.”
Launchpad proved a strong favourite for the Moycarkey Hurdle and won with any amount in hand.
Always travelling sweetly for Davy Russell, he cruised ahead coming away from the third last to easily beat One For Joules.
“He will go to Fairyhouse now,” said trainer, Dessie Hughes. “He jumped well today.”
Anyone who backed Jack Bene, in the Captain Paddy Graham Order Of Malta Maiden Hurdle, would have struggled to see the funny side.
He shook off the challenging Saved By John between the final two obstacles and had the contest in safe keeping rising to the last.
Jack Bene jumped it perfectly, but buckled badly on landing, leaving Saved By John in front. But the new leader, who was motoring when guessing three out, had no more to offer and was chinned near the line by Barry Cash and Wise Oscar. Cash was subsequently suspended for one day for using his whip with excessive frequency.
Paul Townend consolidated his position at the top of the jockeys’ championship when guiding Shorecliffe King to victory in the first division of the Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle.
The Philip Dempsey-trained nine-year-old got a dream run up the inside in the straight, forging away from Would You Do That in the closing stages.
Townend has now ridden 76 winners and is nine clear of Russell.
The second section of the same contest went to heavily-backed Mr Pernickety, Ruby Walsh’s only ride of the day.
Townend’s mount, Glenbane Gent, was in front when falling at the last and then Walsh gave his charge the full treatment to grab Dizzy Rascal.
Winning trainer, Robbie Burns, remarked: “His (Walsh’s) awareness of pace is out of this world, when McCoy praises him what can I say!”
Paul Nolan’s newcomer Articular battled on in fine style to hold Famous Last Words and Anonis to take the Bumper by a short head and a head.
Said Nolan: “He’s a good, tough four-year-old. I had plenty done with him, but there should still be improvement to come.”
