Kate makes successful return to flights
Partnered by David Casey, she jumped quite beautifully and made every yard of the running. Tofino Bay tried to close her down in the straight, but Stephanie Kate refused to wilt and was two lengths to the good at the line.
Said a delighted Swan: “The owner (Philip Reynolds) is skiing and should go there more often. The last time she won he was skiing as well.
“The mares’ race at Cheltenham (fifth to Quevega last year) is cutting up and she may head back for that.”
Willie Mullins’ Bishopsfurze gave those who bet the odds-on palpitations, before delivering in the Powerstown Chase.
He has been plagued by indifferent jumping in the past and, though really good for the most part here, guessed at the final two when the need was greatest. Bishopsfurze was left in front when Island Wood departed at the second, was headed after the last by Action Master and then fought back to score by three parts of a length for Ruby Walsh.
“We will keep him country, he is learning how to make mistakes and get away with it”, said Mullins.
Walsh began his day by driving Tony Martin’s 2-7 shot Edeymi to success in the Clonmel Maiden Hurdle.
Front-running Chasing Shadows tried to put it up to the hot-pot, but from the back of the final flight Edeymi was the stronger, drawing clear to score snugly enough in the end.
Said trainer, Tony Martin: “The ground and being a four-year-old made it hard work for him. He has a good staying pedigree and, hopefully, will go on. I wouldn’t think he’s a Triumph Hurdle horse.”
Walsh’s efforts to complete a treble were sunk when Are Ya Right Chief struggled in a well beaten fourth behind Betterthanalright in the Demense Maiden Hurdle.
Patrick Mangan, enterprisingly, set sail for home early on the final circuit aboard the winner and they were never troubled up the straight, scoring by five lengths.
Betterthanalright is trained by Liam Casey, who is based just five miles from the track. Commented Casey: “He won a point-to-point and I’m delighted now to win a maiden hurdle with him.
“I stuck him in a handicap at Thurles next Thursday and, if alright, will go there. He’s a chaser for next season.”
Are Ya Right Chief was subsequently found to be clinically abnormal.
Tim Doyle’s Mr Eko, ridden by Robert Jones, cropped up at 14-1 in the Kilsheelan Beginners Chase.
He nudged the second last fence, but picked up well to outstay Pocketfullapennies, who had plenty of supporters morning prices.
“Robert said the ground was tacky and that wouldn’t be ideal for this horse”, said Doyle. “We’ll tip away and see if we can pick up a handicap.”
The modest Suir Handicap Hurdle saw 25-1 shot Red Memo get to the front right on the line to short-head Pretty Happy. Red Memo was ridden by 24-year-old Mark Byrne. He has four winners in the point-to-point fields to his credit, this was his first on the track and his first ride over hurdles.
Unlucky horse of the contest was Mount Welcome, who was about a length and a half to the good when falling at the final flight.
Ben Dalton drove Sumkindasuprstar to a game victory in the Lisronagh Novice Handicap Chase.
The Book Thief, under pressure a long way out, kept finding but Sumkindasuprstar was always getting the best of the fight in the closing stages.
