Cooper times it just right on Frisco Depot
He nursed the Dessie Hughes owned and trained gelding around for most of the three miles, until good and ready to launch his challenge.
Your Busy jumped to the front over three out, but Cooper pounced at the last and Frisco Depot powered clear to score by three and a half lengths.
Said Hughes: “That was a good staying performance. We will now find something at Punchestown, probably a novice handicap chase. He needs that ground.”
Michael Hourigan’s False Economy justified favouritism with a smooth performance under Ruby Walsh in the Riverfest May 5th Hurdle.
The complexion of the race changed going to at the last when Rory Anna, holding every chance at the time, ran out, leaving Wilde Wit Pleasure in front.
In any case False Economy was cruising on their tails and coasted ahead on the flat to win with plenty in hand.
Said Hourigan: “He will probably run in the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse next Sunday. He’s been a good servant and that was always the plan.”
Hourigan landed a double when Friendly Society found plenty for Adrian Heskin to take the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Top weight Uncle Tom Cobley made a brave attempt from the front, but could not resist the sustained effort of the winner from the last.
Said Hourigan: “He will probably now go for a handicap, either at Cork or Fairyhouse.”
Charles Byrnes’ Wolf Hall got into the Family Fun Day Maiden Hurdle as first reserve and duly did the business.
The son of Presenting is owned by Gigginstown House Stud and they also owned the horse which came out of the contest, due to a passport irregularity — Roman Cavalery.
The stewards inquired into the matter and referred the issue to the chief executive of the Turf Club for further investigation.
Wolf Hall was always on the pace and had this in safe keeping, once given licence to lead by Davy Russell over the second last.
Said Byrnes: “He needs good ground and is no world beater. We will tip away with him for a while, but have no ambitious plans.”
Byrnes completed a 152-1 double when long-absent Johny’s Lantern, closely related to Forpadydeplasterer, took the Follow Limerick Racecourse On Twitter Mares’ Hurdle.
Formerly trained by Willie Mullins, the daughter of Moscow Society hadn’t been seen since August of 2010.
But she stripped fit and well and forged clear in the straight for Rob Jones to beat Sligo Publican.
Commented Byrnes: “I’m surprised, I thought she might struggle against experienced jumpers. She likes good ground and will keep going for the summer.”
The favourite, Little Green, was struggling to close down the principals when falling at the final flight
Ted Walsh’s Summer Star followed up her recent impressive success on the track with an even better display in the Listed Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Bumper.
Confidently handled by his daughter, Katie, the daughter of Medicean came from last to first, forging to the front well over a furlong down to score going away.
Said Walsh: “She surprised me here the last day and I’m pleasantly surprised today. She is a quality flat-type of mare and will probably now go for a flat race.”
Spring Heeled benefited from a fine drive by Tom Doyle to land the Jog For Jockeys’ 29th July Novice Hurdle.
Ballysteen went for glory downhill to the straight, but the winner always had him covered and was nudged out in the closing stages for a snug half a length victory.
“I aimed a bit high last time, but he really disappointed me”, reported trainer, Jim Culloty.
“Good ground is the key and he is a spring-autumn horse. He is quite immature and, possibly, might be let off now, but I’m looking forward to him over fences.’
