Captain Paulie back in command
Strongly handled by Robert Power, he battled on doggedly from the final flight to hold Old Theatre Royal by a short head.
“I have no explanation for Wexford, but he is a horse who has had his problems”, said trainer, Colm Murphy.
“He is in at Punchestown and, I’d imagine, will go for another handicap there. Anything he does over hurdles will be a bonus, he’s a chaser in the making.”
Power, who has enjoyed a fine season, completed a double aboard Jessica Harrington’s Roberto Goldback in the featured Imperial Call Chase.
The winner took a chance or two along the way and looked in trouble for a few strides early in the straight.
But he responded to Power’s urgings, was in front coming away from two out and soon forged clear to beat Swift Counsel by three and a half lengths.
Harrington wasn’t at the meeting, so it remains to be seen if the nine-year-old will round off his campaign at Punchestown.
Apalachiola, trained by Eugene O’Sullivan for Bweeng, Co Cork owner, Tomas Singleton, ran away with the BBQ Night July 8th Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.
Third behind Gerdalia on heavy ground at Limerick, the daughter of Beneficial powered ahead for Alan Crowe heading to two out to score by 12 lengths.
“Everyone who has ridden her says she’s next year’s mare”, reported O’Sullivan. “She won’t run again this season and will come back in the autumn. She will come back over hurdles, but eventually it will be fences.”
Sabrina Harty’s Kalann proved a strong favourite in the mallow.ie Maiden Hurdle and duly obliged under Michael Darcy.
In front off the home turn, the Barathea gelding found plenty for pressure to beat Knockgraffon Lad by three parts of a length.
“He was running through the winter and we gave him a holiday”, said Harty. “He was a May foal and is still growing and getting stronger. We will see where he goes next, but he does have entries at Punchestown.”
Salesin followed his recent success at Wexford with a dour display of front-running to win the Friday Evening Racing At Cork Racecourse Handicap Hurdle.
Partnered by Slippers Madden for his father, Boots, Salesin had to dig deep all the way up the straight, before finally shaking off the persistent Glam Gerry.
Commented Madden senior: “I thought the race might come a bit soon, but it was a good pot and I decided to let him take his chance. He will mix it hurdling and fences.”
The Bumper produced a hugely impressive winner in the Hannah Lee-trained and Kevin Power-ridden Just For Joe.
Carrying the colours of Lee’s husband, Joe, the winner made every yard of the running to score unextended by 24 lengths.
Trainer-Lee, who is originally from Kilworth, Co Cork, but based at Gort, Co Galway, said: “He’s improving that was unreal, fantastic. We will see how he comes out of the race before making plans.”
Minella Clonmel, a 20-1 shot, took the Mallow Town Summer BBQ Evening July 8th Handicap Hurdle.
Partnered by Matt Bowes, the winner was done no favours by a loose horse in the straight, but kept going to beat Without The Bop.
