Timely boost for Lynch ahead of Sizing Europe’s seasonal debut
Lynch carried the Sizing Europe colours of Ann and Alan Potts on both horses, making all on hurdling debutant ad Killarney bumper winner Absolutlyfantastic in the opening Thomastown Maiden Hurdle.
The Alhaarth gelding delighted trainer Henry de Bromhead who explained: “He did it the hard way and is quite a speedy fellow,” before indicating that his charge will contest either a ‘winner of one’ in Ireland or travel to Cheltenham in November for a novice event won a few years ago by Loosen My Load.
The Lynch double was completed when Cavite Beta, successful twice when trained by Nicky Henderson, made all and survived a slipped saddle in the Bennettsbridge Hurdle, the five-year-old Old Vic gelding keeping longshot Slew Charm, at bay by a neck.
“His saddle slipped and, normally, front -runners get swallowed-up here, but he kept going well,” commented winning trainer Jim Dreaper.
Ongenstown Lad, trained by Gillian O’Callaghan, proved facile winner of the three-mile Follow Gowran On Facebook Handicap Hurdle under Keith Donoghue while the Tim Carroll-ridden Killogan Lass proved too strong for Benny’s Quest in the Freshford Handicap Hurdle, after which Harley Dunne, rider of the runner-up, failed to weigh-in and was suspended for five days.
The Paul Carberry-ridden Mahrajaan prevailed in a three-way photo-finish to the Ballyhane Handicap Chase, having a nose to spare over King High whose rider Shay Barry picked up a one-day ban for careless riding.
John ‘Shark’ Hanlon was lucky to continue his winning run with Misala (Andrew McNamara) in the Inistioge Beginners Chase, his charge, a remote third, being left to triumph after both Jakros and Island Oscar, battling it out up front, crashed three from home.
The bumper produced another popular local success when Mumbo Jumbo, ridden for Mags Mullins by ‘Corky’ Carroll, made a successful debut.
