In-foal Knock bags a hat-trick
John Nicholson’s mare, who is in foal to Fame And Glory, was completing a hat-trick, having also won on the flat at Tipperary.
After she scored at Bellewstown, Nicholson’s immediate reaction was that she would miss Limerick and wait for the Galway festival.
Explaining his change of mind, Nicholson said: “She never stopped eating and, indeed, had an extra feed yesterday, so I decided to come.”
Mark Enright did the driving and he eased the six-year-old into the lead going to the second last.
Pires was soon in hot pursuit, but the favourite threw a couple of sloppy leaps through the contest and couldn’t quite close down the winner, the verdict a short head.
Nicholson confirmed that it will definitely be directly to Galway now for Knockcroghery, who could run in the amateur handicap on the Monday night and then challenge for the Galway Hurdle on the Thursday. Paddy Kennedy, who rode fifth placed Another Rebel, was found guilty of careless riding and suspended for two days.
Bob Le Beau went off a warm favourite for the Tote Placepot Guarantee Maiden Hurdle, but appeared lacking in enthusiasm and trailed in a poor fifth. He jumped and travelled well in front, but folded very quickly once challenged early in the straight.
Eventual winner, River Slaney, and Sizing India soon moved on and this was always going in favour of Liz Doyle’s charge from the final flight. River Slaney was capably handled by Adrian Heskin, with connections indicating he will only come into his own when going over fences.
Michael Hourigan’s Whats Happening got the full Barry Geraghty treatment to land the Limerick GAA Supporters’ Chase. His jumping was less than satisfactory, but he found plenty for Geraghty driving to wear down the flattering Original Option. “I’m delighted, he is owned by my nephew, who is also my Godson”, reported Hourigan. “He will now go to either Killarney or Galway.”
The victory of the blinkered Another Palm, in the Bet Online At Thetote.com Galway Plate Trial Handicap Chase, owed everything to the persistence of pilot, Robbie Power.
The grey was a poor third at the final fence, as Supreme Doc swept on, appearing home and hosed.
But Supreme Doc stopped to a walk on the run in and was legless though the final 50 yards, as Another Palm and then long-time leader, Our Girl Lucy, went past. Another Palm was returned at 20-1 and paid almost 46-1 on the tote.
Jimmy Mangan’s newcomer Sandy Jane, the first horse Ballincollig owner, James Wall, has had with the trainer, took the first division of the Bumper.
Mangan’s daughter, Jane, was in the plate and she brought the Craigsteel mare from last to first, getting on top of the trail-blazing, Carrig Rua Lady, with less than a furlong to travel.
“She was working well at home, but that’s her first time on grass”, said Mangan senior. “A long distance mares’ maiden hurdle is the plan.”
The second section of the same contest went to Willie Mullins’ debutante, Supreme Bailerina, who was hugely impressive in the hands of David Thomas. She came from off the pace to lead inside the furlong pole and score going away by seven and a half lengths.
The Nathan Carter Play Live 25th July Handicap Hurdle went to Blossom Gate, partnered by Andrew Latta for John Kiely. Pushed into the lead heading for two out, the daughter of Westerner was soon in control to easily beat Prosperity Square by four lengths. “She’s very consistent and got a good ride”, said Kiely.
The modest The LimerickRaces.ie Mares’ Beginners Chase went to 20-1 shot, The Lady Granuaile, ridden by Alan Crowe. In what was a grief-stricken affair, The Lady Granuaile responded generously to Crowe’s urgings to prove too strong for Sox’s Girl.
There were two casualties through the afternoon, Danny Howard and Davy Russell. Howard suffered a possible fracture of his kneecap, while Russell was stood down early in the day, with dirt in his eye.
