Doyle on a roll
A second winner in three days for trainer Jim Culloty, Regal D’Estruval bowled along in front, jumping fluently and won unchallenged by twelve lengths from Native Palm.
Culloty, who triumphed with Barrel Of Laughs at Tipperary on Tuesday, commented: “He used to be a very, very fast and free front-runner and never got home in ground softer than good. He ran well here on quick ground in the summer, but didn’t let himself down on it at Galway. So we decided to give him a break and bring him back on easier ground.
“He jumps well and he’s not as mad-free as he used to be, which makes it easier for him to get home.”
Most impressive winner of the day was the once-raced Shotavodka which stretched clear under Nina Carberry to win the lady riders’ bumper by no less than nineteen lengths from Garden Valley.
The Alderbrook gelding gave Sinead O’Sullivan, who took over Thomas O’Leary’s yard in Clonakilty, a first racecourse success.
She exclaimed: “That was massive. I only got my licence in April and had a few point-to-point winners. I have nine or ten horses but only three for the track and it’s nice to get a good one to start with.
This is a nice little horse and works like a good thing at home. He’s not over-big but has plenty of gears. He’ll run in a winners’ bumper, if he’s not sold.”
Point The Toes, representing the Fahey family from Monasterevin, County Kildare, proved her liking for Tramore when arriving late on the scene to foil the flattering Sun Fisher by a half-length in the Tramore Racecourse Supporters Club Handicap Hurdle.
Trained by Paul Fahey and ridden by his nephew Mark, the six-year-old mare was recording her second win on the track. Her trainer explained: “We were going to let her off, because she needs good ground.
“But, after this, we might keep her going and take our chance in the Grade 3 mares race in Down Royal at the start of next month. ”
Ordinary Man, trained by Liam Burke for the Simply The Best Syndicate, made a winning start over fences when getting-up late to beat 25/1 shot Special Token in the Dungarvan Beginners Chase.
The complexion of the race changed at the second last, where 7/4 Tico, challenging Special Token and holding every chance, crashed with Paul Townend. Left in second spot, Ordinary Man challenged at the last. And Shay Barry forced him into the lead close home.
“That gets us off the cold-list,” said winning trainer Burke in the winner’s enclosure. “We were a bit disappointed with him in the ‘Junction’ on Sunday — they went a slow gallop and quickened away from him — although he was only beaten eleven lengths. He jumps well, but has been his own worst enemy at times. We won’t get carried away, but a win is a win.”
