Quirky Lord Adare justifies heavy support
Those who waded in, more than €500,000 was matched on Betfair on the race, had their share of anxious moments.
Charles Byrnes’ charge’s last appearance was on this track last month, when he almost ran out at the second last, before finishing second to Todd.
“He tried the same as the last day”, reported Byrnes in the winner’s enclosure, after his charge had scrambled to a half a length success over 25-1 shot, Keppols Queen.
It certainly wasn’t as bad, however, but Lord Adare did seem to have good old think about things heading the penultimate flight.
A big danger was removed when the front-running Madoun, far from beaten, fell two out and once Davy Russell then managed to get the winner across the obstacle, he nursed Lord Adare home, without resorting to his whip.
“It might be best to leave the horse off altogether now and bring him back over fences next season”, said Byrnes.
Baresi shrugged off top weight with the minimum of fuss in the Derek Ryan Live 24th July Handicap Chase to complete a double for Byrnes.
Ridden by the talented Ger Fox, Baresi led over the third last and simply coasted clear to score with lots in reserve.
Commented Byrnes: “His jumping went to pot the last day (Fairyhouse), that’s why we fitted cheek-pieces, rode him handy and kept up the revs.”
The Club Limerick 24th July Supporters’ Day Handicap Hurdle looked ferociously competitive, but it didn’t prevent punters going with Eric McNamara’s Hospital, 9-2 from 8’s. Carrying the colours of J P McManus, the six-year-old landed the little touch, under Mark Walsh.
He stayed on strongly in the straight to get the best of a tough battle with Roisin Dubh, the verdict a neck.
Said McNamara: “He ran at Cork last Sunday and I felt blew up a bit, I was anxious to run him again.
“He is very ground dependent and has to have nice ground. It will be a case of mixing it between hurdles and fences for him through the summer.”
Paul Nolan’s Theatre Mill produced a decent effort to take the Irish Stallion Farms’ EBF Beginners Chase.
Ridden by Robbie Power, the daughter of King’s Theatre made a lot of the running and, though stumbling a little at the back of the second last, was always in control.
“That’s a great bit of prize money (€10,350) for a beginners chase”, said a delighted Nolan. She was a 120 over hurdles, but I though might be a little short today. She will keep going through the summer.”
The opening Maiden Hurdle was moderate, but Mags Mullins’ Princess Leya, 9-2 to 7-2 favourite, was best for money and duly obliged.
Partnered by her son, Danny, the daughter of Old Vic made all of the running and was always holding the eye-catching Ningbo Express.
Said Ms Mullins: “She did it lovely, she has her bumper and hurdle won now. The ground made a difference and we will look for black type.”
Adam O’Neill eased the strong travelling Sarah Battle ahead before the home turn and, when she flew the second last, that seemed to have sealed the deal
But then she got in a trifle tight to the final flight and, with her rider content to rely on hands and heels, Sarah Battle was flat to the boards to hold the far more vigorously ridden Lite Duties.
