Carriganog follows up in style for O’Brien
The four-year-old was a first jumps winner for O’Brien since the mighty Istabraq in 2001 when obliging at Clonmel earlier this month, and followed up in real style. Sent off as the 8-11 favourite to make it two wins from as many starts over timber, he travelled and jumped well for Robbie Power before taking it up from Theatre Mill after two out.
The outcome was never in any doubt from there, as he powered 16 lengths clear of The Cookie Jar. Like Istabraq, the winner now runs in the colours of JP McManus, who bought the Shantou gelding following his Clonmel effort.
Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus, said: “He did it grand. He handled the ground and you couldn’t ask for any more. He will probably go for another novice in a few weeks’ time, but we will see what Aidan wants to do.
“He looks a big chaser in the making. He made those hurdles look small.”
Power said: “He was better today than he was at Clonmel. He was sharper in his jumping and he is a nice horse.”
Martin Brassil has one eye on the Irish National for Double Seven, who continued his winning streak in the Listed M.W Hickey Memorial Chase.
Another in the McManus silks, the seven-year-old won the Munster National on his latest start and was settled in third by Mark Walsh before taking closer order three from home.
Despite a slight mistake at the second-last, the 5-4 favourite hit the front before the last and kept on well from to score by a comfortable five and a half lengths from Ballinahow Lady, who had attempted to make all.
Brassil said: “I thought this was a good opportunity for him today as he was well-in with a couple of horse rated below him, getting a 5lb allowance for being a novice.
“He will have a little break now until the spring. He has been improving all year and his confidence was on a high after Limerick.
“There are lots of options for him in the spring. He could possibly be an Irish National horse and there are plenty of other handicaps he could go for.”
Henry de Bromhead was in double form, with Bendanella and Sizing Australia obliging for the Waterford handler.
The first-named got in the Poolcourt Construction (C & G) Maiden Hurdle as a reserve and took full advantage of his opportunity to leave his trainer purring.
Sent off at 5-1, the five-year-old was always prominent and kept on well after the last to see off only real danger Der Kaiser by three-quarters of a length.
Favourite Some Article was unplaced, while the potentially exciting It’s All An Act was a non-runner.
De Bromhead said: “I was hopeful he would run well. He had good bumper form, but he was a bit disappointing at Tramore where I thought he might win. He schooled really well so I said we’d just go jumping.
“He won his point-to-point at Ballinaboola after Christmas where he beat a horse of ours Tisamystery.
“Andrew (Lynch) said his jumping was electric. Whatever he does over hurdles he will be much better over fences.”
