Fine treble for Harrington
A dual bumper-winner, Jezki started his hurdling career in the best possible style, when landing the opening O’Callaghan Hotels Supporting Kildare GAA 4-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty’s mount swooped late to deny favourite Ally Cascade by three-quarters of a length. The winning trainer’s daughter Emma Galway commented: “Barry said he was a bit spooky at the last and would have won easier, if he had jumped it better. That’s his maiden out of the way, so we can start making plans.”
Chasing debutant Jenari followed the example of his full-brother Jezki when, similarly, arriving late on the scene to deny Dylan Ross in the Weatherbys Ireland GBS Beginners Chase.
Ridden by Robbie Power, the Milan gelding delighted owner J P McManus’s Racing Manager Frank Berry, who said, “He popped away grand, handled conditions better than expected and Robbie educated him well. He seems a stronger horses this year and we’ll probably stick to two miles with him, at least for the moment.”
Maller Tree provided the middle leg of Harrington’s treble and Robbie Power’s first win of the day when making all to record an emphatic win over Texas Jack in the DSM Demolition Supporting Kildare GAA Hurdle.
“That was a little bit expected,” admitted Emma Galway: “He’s very game. Robbie gave him a great ride - he got a soft lead and dictated the pace. This horse’s owners are English and the plan was to go to Cheltenham next month. After this, I’m not sure if the plan will change.”
The return to action of Hidden Cyclone in the Grade 3 Poplar Square Chase attracted plenty of interest. And, having tracked favourite Foildubh and Rathlin, was allowed edge ahead by Andrew McNamara before the second last.
But ‘Shark’ Hanlon’s stable star gave his supporters a few anxious moment on the run-in, hanging badly left, before beating Foildubh by a length and a half.
Hanlon said: “It was only two miles and he wasn’t spot-on. He’ll improve in terms of fitness and jumping.”
