Hourigan on a roll as Tornado strikes
“No winner for five months and three since last Thursday,’’ exclaimed Dancing Tornado’s delighted trainer Michael Hourigan.
Given a superb drive by 7lbs claimer, Jody McGarvey, the 12-year-old squeezed up the far side in the straight, quickening well from the back of the last to beat Stonemaster by a length.
“The kid gave that a great drive,’’ continued Hourigan. “It is the first time the horse has won over three miles.’’
McGarvey, though, was suspended for two days for his use of the whip, not giving his mount time to respond.
Davy Russell missed the ride on Stonemaster, having been badly shaken after his mount, Ussius, was brought down in the previous race.
All round it was a bad day for Russell, prevented from partnering First Lieutenant at Aintree, who won a Grade 1, by the British racing authorities.
Conor O’Dwyer’s Uncle Tom Cobley, partnered by Russell, looked a desperately unlucky loser of the Thurles Racecourse Handicap Chase.
Russell allowed him stride on with a circuit to cover and the nine-year-old went to the third last apparently full of running.
But he made a shocking mistake at the obstacle, leaving Darenjan to close right up and soon lead.
After that it was easy for Andrew McNamara’s mount, as he kept going to beat his rival by eight lengths.
Then Lord Ben, having a first outing since October, turned over hot-pot Toner d’Oudairies and Russell in the Templemore Beginners Chase.
The winner made a lot off the running for Andrew Lynch and had Toner d’Oudairies in trouble turning in.
Toner d’Oudairies then got in tight to the second last and, though rallying back strongly, was still half a length adrift at the line.
Russell’s tale of woe was finally completed when Ussius, in second spot at the time, was brought down by the leading Annas Back in the Easter Bunny Maiden Hurdle.
That left the way open for the favourite, Steve Mahon’s Pyrus Gold Wind, to forge clear of River Slaney.
Said Mahon: “This is a good fun horse, who only cost €500. He will mix it between flat and hurdles for the summer.’’
The Bumper saw Peter Fahey’s newcomer Nathans Pride land some decent wagers, finding 7-4 from a little 11-4.
Not a lot went right for him through the race. He was very free, had a wall of horses in front approaching the home turn and then found it hard to get a gap in the straight.
The gap did, however, eventually materialise and Nathans Pride nipped through up the far rail to win with plenty in hand at the end.
Commented Fahey: “He’s a very, very good horse. We came here with a lot of confidence, his work has been unbelievable. He will probably go for the Champion Bumper at Punchestown now.’’
Daniel Miley’s Forty Foot Tom ran away with the Cashel Beginners Chase to the tune of 20 lengths.
Pushed ahead going to the second last by Adrian Heskin, he had his main danger removed when the challenging Mackeys Forge took a heavy fall at the fence.
“I was hoping he would be better on this ground, I never thought he was a heavy ground horse’’, reported Miley.
“We were going to head for a handicap after this, but after winning so far maybe a winners of one will be better.’’
Roger Loughran, who rode Mackeys Forge, was stood down with a suspected broken shoulder blade and missed a winner later in the day when Hunting Party justified favouritism in the Spring Lamb Maiden Hurdle.
Mark Enright proved an able substitute, sending the market-leader ahead over the second last to beat Chief Admiral.
The modest Clonoulty Handicap Hurdle went to Scouting Party, produced by Keith Donoghue to grab the flattering Court Knee at the final flight.
