Clean-sweep for flat jockeys in challenge
Niggling along from an early stage, O’Brien persuaded the five-year-old to put his head in front close home to beat the Fran Berry-ridden Second Glance by a head with Seamus Heffernan’s mount Sparring Partner completing a clean-sweep for the flat jockeys in third spot. The placings remained unchanged after a Stewards Enquiry.
The outcome represented a significant achievement for Ballinrobe-based trainer Michael Flannery, who enthused: “That’s some result, I can’t believe it. I’ve always known that this fellow had ability but he’s a bit of a pup and needs plenty of encouragement. Joseph gave him a great ride and kept at him all the way, even when everyone watching him would have thought he was beaten”
Flannery added: “I had a feeling that Roscommon would suit him because, coming up the straight, they’re heading for the way home, the gate into the parade-ring. I though he’d like that. I only have eight horses and it’s great that he’s won for me at last.”
Without a win since scoring over course and distance in July 2009, the Tom Cleary-trained mudlover Miranda’s Girl landed a tidy gamble (8/1 to 4/1 favourite) in the seven-furlong I. .F.A. Race Day Handicap.
A third winner in five days for 7lb. claimer Colin Keane, Miranda’s Girl made all to beat Burn The Floor by three and a half lengths, to the delight of trainer Cleary and members of the Moyclear Syndicate which owns the six-year-old Titus Livius mare.
Cleary admitted: “We tried her over a mile and a half earlier in the year, but the plan back-fired. We were praying for rain and, when it came, we became more confident about her. She loves the soft and, because she hasn’t won in over two years, she’s at the right end of the handicap and was racing off a light weight tonight.
“I’m delighted to give Colin a winner, because his dad (Gerry) gave my son Rory his first winner,” added Cleary.
Less than three weeks after Mon Dice’s Guinness Galway Hurdle triumph, Paul Flynn saddled Indigo River to win the opening two-year-old auction maiden at the expense of PC Henry and Ballydoyle debutant Wrote.
The Kodiac filly, which showed promise on her debut at the Curragh, scored by two and a half lengths under Chris Hayes, prompting Flynn to comment: “She had a good first run and improved from the experience. She was probably in front a bit soon, but won well. She’s for sale but will go for a listed race now, if we get to run her again.”
The Adrian McGuinness-trained Ultra Cool appreciated the step-up to ten furlongs when scoring an emphatic win under Johnny Murtagh in the Irish Stallion Farms Fillies Handicap, proving too strong for favourite Glamorous.
