Dressedtothenines completes her hat-trick in resolute style
Partnered by Tony McCoy, she had far too many guns for market-leader, Zaidpour, in the closing stages.
McCoy made his move going to the second last, pushing the daughter of Oscar past front-running Si C’Etait Vrai.
Ruby Walsh was soon in hot pursuit aboard Zaidpour, but they were always fighting a losing battle and there was three and a half lengths between them at the line.
Said Harty: “She has surprised me the way she’s improved as the year has gone on. It is nice to get big black type, she got small black type last season. This is a young mare and we will see about Punchestown.”
Willie Mullins, who trains Zaidpour, made no mistake in the other Grade 2 when Pique Sous landed the Rathbarry And Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle.
Mullins also saddled the favourite, Tennis Cap, who tried to make all. But a combination of a busy time and a quicker surface found him out and he was beaten early in the straight.
Cops And Robbers soon powered ahead, but Paul Townend produced Pique Sous with impeccable timing to ease clear on the run in.
Said Mullins: “The ground made a huge difference. As long as the ground is on the good side then he will go to Punchestown. Hopefully, as he matures, he will handle softer ground.”
The Tom Nagle-trained The Mighty Milan, not seen since finishing second at the Curragh in May, won the Easter Festival Bumper.
Given a brilliant ride by Katie Walsh, he kicked hard off the home turn and then held on for dear life close home as favourite, Azorian, closed with every stride, the verdict a head.
Said Nagle: “He had a little problem, but this is a good horse, with a good rider. He will now go for the Champion Bumper at Punchestown.”
Walsh, however, was deemed guilty of using her whip with excessive frequency and suspended for one day.
Brian Who, trained locally by Eddie Cawley, ran away with the Irish Field Handicap Hurdle in the hands of in-form Mark Enright.
Sent to the front coming away from two out, Brian Who lengthened away to easily beat Happy New Year.
Commented Cawley: “I bought him at the Landrover sale and he has been very consistent. I always thought he might deliver, on a little bit of nicer ground.”
The winner was far from neglected in the market, finding 13-2 from 8-1.
Carlowsantana, trained in Kildare by Stephen Nolan, ran the opposition ragged in the ladbrokes.com Novice Handicap Chase.
Ian McCarthy had him bowling along in front from the start, with Carlowsantana streaking home clear of Pass The Hat.
Said Nolan: “He’s a good jumper and a strong galloper and I told Ian not to be afraid to make it.”
Solstice Knight, under a power-packed Barry Geraghty drive, wore down the flattering Sea Master close home to win the Comfybed Novice Handicap Chase.
Trainer, Edward O’Grady, reported: “There is great credit due to the owners and staff, this horse has broken down a couple of times. If he comes out of this okay, I’m sure the owners would like him to go to Punchestown.”
