Rheinland off the mark in good style
Held up behind by Emmet McNamara, she made gradual progress through the final mile and was right in contention turning for home.
The daughter of Humbel grabbed a marginal lead at the second last and then forged clear to beat The Grey Express by a comfortable two lengths.
Commented Leahy: “She’s a good mare, will have a little break now and then come back for Killarney next month.”
Dessie Hughes’ Half Full justified favouritism with a smooth display in the Ladies Day 9th October Maiden Hurdle.
Taken to the front off the home turn by Bryan Cooper, he had plenty in reserve to hold the promising previously once-raced, Fantastic Bob.
“He was entitled to win on his last run”, remarked Hughes. “We’ll find a winners’ of one, he stays well and will get three miles.”
Hans Crescent got the full Barry Geraghty treatment to foil morning-price gamble Scene Of The Crash in the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Facebook Hurdle.
Scene Of The Crash looked well beaten at the top of the hill, but rallied back in the straight to hold every chance again.
But Geraghty wasn’t to be denied, driving Michael Hourigan’s charge clear on the flat.
“He’s been a bit disappointing, but will now head to Galway for a novice chase”, reported Hourigan.
The superb Geraghty completed a double aboard the gambled-on Serve Time in the Grant Thornton Novice chase.
Giving trainer, Paul Gilligan, his first winner in Ireland since Listowel last September, Serve Time was backed from 8-1 to 9-2.
Produced to lead heading to two out, the nine-year-old powered away to easily beat Cottage Oak by seven lengths.
Said Gilligan: “I only have the horse a month, but he did a nice bit of work at Tipperary last week.”
The Limerick’s Live 95FM Beginners Chase didn’t take much winning, but at least the Maurice Keane trained Credit Box looked like delivering a fair way from home.
She was cantering all over her rivals and only had to be nudged out by Martin Ferris — the last two fences weren’t jumped — to beat Carrrieoni with plenty in hand.
Said Keane: “She’s been placed more times than any other animal in the country, has promised and promised, and might go back over hurdles now.”
The Limerick Tri Nations Challenge Handicap Hurdle for amateur riders went to Prunella Dobbs’ Face Facts, who came from off the pace to sweep ahead on the run in and beat Street Runner a length.
Face Facts was partnered by 21 year-old Robbie Henderson from Dorset in England. This was a first success in Ireland for Henderson, but he has eleven to his credit in his native country.
The Bumper saw Colin Bowe run two horses, the favourite Millers Reef and the newcomer, Pharney Lady.
And it was the first-timer, Pharney Lady, who had all the answers, picking up in style for Mikey Fogarty to beat Missunited.
