Winner and two-day suspension for Russell at Kilbeggan
Sin Palo made all under Ruby Walsh to justify favouritism in the opening Follow Kilbeggan On Facebook Maiden Hurdle while 30/100 favourite Tasitiocht gave Patrick Mullins an armchair ride in coasting to a six and a half lengths win over Dale Street in the bumper.
After Sin Palo belatedly opened his account over timber, Walsh commented: “We went a decent gallop and he kept going. His jumping probably made the difference, although he missed the last.”
Tasitiocht, runner-up to stable-companion Glens Melody on her debut at Punchestown, recorded an effortless win in the concluding www.kilbegganraces.com Flat Race, Patrick Mullins steering her to a smooth success before commenting: “I thought she’d win in Punchestown, but she was beaten by another good mare of ours. She should be capable of winning on the flat, hopefully, in an amateur race somewhere.”
Davy Russell, who missed a winning ride on Drumlister in Tramore on Friday, when shaken after an earlier fall, guided the Noel Meade-trained Tackmaster to a chasing debut success in the Kilbeggan Beginners Chase.
But Russell and the five-year-old’s supporters had to sweat it out until the Stewards allowed the result to stand after an enquiry.
Tackmaster, off the track since December, appeared set for victory when idling in front soon after the final fence, edging right and denying Canaly a run up the rail.
Russell’s mount went on to triumph by three lengths and, although the Stewards found that interference had taken place, they were not satisfied that the interference had improved the winner’s finishing position. For that reason, they allowed the result stand but suspended Russell for two racedays, having found him guilty of careless riding.
Winning trainer Noel Meade said: “He won a point-to-point as a four-year-old and has always looked a chaser. He jumped very well today and Davy was delighted with him. He’s still very green and idled in front. We should have plenty of fun with him.”
Brendan Duke, who struck with Mister Benedictine in Ballinrobe last Tuesday, was on the mark again when the nine-year-old, 4lb. well-in and ridden again by David Crosse, romped to a nine lengths win in the Michael Moore Car Sales Handicap Hurdle.
Having travelled strongly, again, on the heels of the leaders. Mister Benedictine jumped into the lead at the third last before strolling clear, prompting Duke to enthuse: “He’s a special little horse, and David gets on very well with him.
“There might be more to come from him and we might look at the flat now — he has a nice mark.”
