Zaralabad strikes gold in Killarney
Powerfully handled by very much in-form Johnny Murtagh, the winner was one of a wall of horses who had a chance approaching the furlong pole.
But he soon found plenty for Murtagh’s driving and was too strong for well-backed Dimona, the verdict half a length.
The stewards called an inquiry, but that was a waste of time and an alteration to the placings was never the remotest possibility.
Commented Swan: “He obviously comes right at this time of year and was very unlucky in the race twelve months ago.
“He loves tight tracks, a fast run race and fast ground. We will now look for another premier handicap, maybe at Naas.”
Decent wagers went west on Dermot Weld’s Madhmoonah in the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Fillies Maiden.
Taken at 11-4 in the morning and from 9-4 to 11-8 on track, she looked all over a winner when edging ahead of eventual winner, French Quebec, inside the furlong pole.
But French Quebec hit back strongly for Murtagh — initiating a double for him — and was a short head to the good at the line.
The daughter of Excellent Art is trained by Ken Condon, who landed a double here on Tuesday.
Said Condon: “She had a little setback after her last race at Limerick. She’s difficult to read in the morning, is very relaxed and you don’t get much feedback.
“Johnny liked her a lot and the Flame Of Tara Stakes over a mile at the Curragh will be next.”
Eagle’s Pass, successful over fences on the track in July, landing a little gamble in the process, took the TVM Novice Chase.
It was a competitive contest, but there was only going to be one winner once Paul Townend sent Eagle’s Pass to the front at the final fence.
Trainer, Thomond O’Mara, said: “He might run in a handicap at Galway on Sunday under a penalty.”
Daffern Seal, impressive from the front at Galway, was disappointing. St Devote took him on for much of the journey and the favourite was in trouble a fair way out.
One Fine Morning, trained by Ronnie O’Leary and given a fine drive by Mark Walsh, hit the front between the last two fences to easily win the malton.com Handicap Chase.
“It was probably a poor race, but it is nice to have a winner, especially for that man (owner, J P McManus)”, said O’Leary.
The stewards inquired into the apparent improvement in form of the winner and noted the explanations offered.
Quiet Thought, 82 lengths last of nine behind Blazing Beacon over flights at Naas previously, won the www.mosscontrol.ie Mares’ Beginners Chase doing handstands.
Partnered with total confidence by Bryan Cooper, Quiet Thought eased ahead over the third last to score unextended by a massive 18 lengths.
The Bumper was a particularly modest contest, but that will hardly worry punters with victory going to the market-leader, Law Rebel.
Trained by Jessica Harrington and partnered by her daughter, Kate, Law Rebel was always getting the best of the fight in the straight to score by two and a half lengths.
Pa King, who rode runner-up Tirmoyle in this race, was suspended for four days, having been found guilty of using his with excessive frequency.
Billy Lee rode a whirlwind finish aboard Tim Doyle’s Painted Fingers to force her up close home to beat Indian Scout and Fellisha by a neck and a short head in the McElligotts’ Mercedes Benz Handicap.
