Daymooma opens account in drama-filled race
But the race will be remembered for an incident early in the final furlong in which Late Rosebud (Pat Smullen) crashed and brought down Balmont Belle (Ronan Whelan). Luckily, both horses ands riders emerged unscathed.
The Chris Hayes-ridden Daymooma challenged on the outside turning for home and was taking command when edging left and then ducking right shortly after the furlong-pole as Pastiches, on the inside, edged left.
Late Rosebud was sandwiched between them and crashed out of the race, bringing down the chasing Balmont Belle.
In the subsequent Enquiry, the Stewards found that the incident was caused by the behaviour of two “erratic” fillies and apportioned no blame to any of the riders involved.
Joe Murphy intends running Jack Daddy in the Ragusa Handicap at the Curragh on Sunday in the wake of his win in the opening Ladies Day At Ballinrobe Handicap.
Ridden by Shane Foley, the even-money favourite beat Benash and Dancers Dilemma convincingly. Murphy said: “He’s a bonny little horse, small but very genuine. This looked a weak enough maiden and he deserved to get his head in front. He might run in the big handicap at the Curragh on Sunday.
An even quicker return to action could be o the cards for Air Chief, which landed the Audi Ballina Handicap in emphatic style for the father and son partnership of Eric and Emmet McNamara.
Air Chief, which was following up a recent win in Roscommon, cruised into the lead with more than two furlongs to race and stayed o stoutly to beat Boxer beat.
“He loves nice ground — it’s a big help to any horse with a wind problem. He’s in again in Tipperary on Thursday and might go there. He’ll go back jumping soon.”
County Longford-based trainer Paul Flynn registered his first win in the saddle for seven years when partnering morning gamble The Ring Is King to victory in the Eamon Sheridan Plant Hire Handicap.
Flynn, who rode successfully in England, last tasted success as a jockey on Iggy Madden’s Air Of Confusion at Kilbeggan in June 2006. He oozed confidence on The Ring Is King, backed from as big as 16/1 during the day and sent off at 6/1, to beat Daigreen by two lengths.
