87/1 O’Brien treble as Joseph extends lead in title race
On a day when Joseph O’Brien extended his lead to 87-80 over Pat Smullen in the title-race, it was Seamus Heffernan’s enterprising ride on three-year-old top weight Offer in the October Handicap which deserved most praise.
The Montjeu colt, under the hefty burden of 10-0, made virtually all the running an poached a clear lead off the home turn before beating Leroy Parker by three-and-a-quarter lengths, with Scots Gaelic third.
A delighted Heffernan commented: “He’s a horse with lots of ability. And they left us alone in front. But, to be fair to him, he quickened up well from two furlongs out and saw it out well.”
The earlier Birdcatcher Nursery went to well-backed 3/1 favourite Snow Queen, ridden by Joseph to beat Ballyorban and Muaanid in a three-way photo-finish. The Danehill Dancer filly, owned by Mrs Diane Nagle, retained the spoils in a Stewards Enquiry.
The winning rider commented: “They went a good gallop, which helped me. But she probably got to the front too soon. She’s a filly we’ve always liked. And she’s starting to show on the track what she has been showing us at home.”
Joseph’s double and Aidan’s treble were initiated when even-money favourite Francis Of Assisi won the opening maiden convincingly by four lengths.
“That’s some compensation for a disastrous year with her,” said trainer John Oxx after Manieree forged clear to land the listed Garnet Stakes emphatically by seven lengths under Niall McCullagh. “She had a serious accident in January and almost missed the whole year, which was shame. Because she loves soft ground.
“She’s a really good, tough, genuine filly. And her next outing will probably be at the December Sales.”
On a mixed day for punters, Noel Meade sent odds-on backers home happy when the Gigginstown-owned Road To Riches landed the bumper for Nina Carberry.
Meade quipped: “He cost a good few quid, but he’s been very impressive at home. He’ll go hurdling in three or four weeks. I wish I had a few more like him at home.”
