Madden strikes again on Shalamzar
Madden, son of Boots Madden, best known for his association with the legendary Golden Cygnet, is just 16-years-of age and this was his 12th success.
Cairdiuil swept on under two furlongs out, looking the most likely winner, but his stride soon began to shorten. Shalamzar had raced at the back for the most part, but was produced with impeccable timing by the youngster to lead inside the furlong pole and the late run of Hasanour was never a problem.
“I’m delighted for Tim (Fitzgerald, owner), he bought the horse when other lads shied away,” said Martin. “I don’t know what will be next, he’s a big old fashioned type.”
Billy Lee continued his rich vein of form when guiding the David Marnane-trained Seanie to a clear-cut success in the South Western Scrap Metal Handicap.
“Billy gave him a great ride, he’s a horse who likes to jump and run,” said Marnane. And that’s exactly the tactics that were adopted by Lee, as Seanie soon led and was then, cleverly, kicked clear off the home turn.
“He might go to Tipperary in three weeks time and likes Dundalk, so will go there as well,” continued Marnane.
Michael Halford’s Asbury Boss battled on strongly for Shane Foley to win the Listowel Printing Works Maiden.
Foley did a good job, considering that the grey son of Dalakhani was badly drawn in 15. Approaching the home turn, he drove his charge into the lead and kept him going to hold Break My Mind and A Greater Force.
Said Halford: “We will see what the handicapper does, but he will be a better horse next season. It has taken him a few runs to learn his trade.”
John Murphy had his first winner of the week when 20-1 shot, Water Sprite, took the L M Carey Company Handicap.
Partnered by the promising Sean Corby, the daughter of Papal Bull got the best of a last furlong duel with Smoker to score by a short head,
Murphy was represented by his son, George, who said: “We are delighted she has now got a bracket.”
Gamble of the race was Que Sera Sera, taken from 3-1 to 7-4 favourite, but she was beaten a long way from home. The stewards inquired into the finish of this race and concluded that Gary Halpin, who rode Smoker, was guilty of careless riding and he was suspended for two days.
Jonathan Burke has made a terrific start in his new job as first jockey to Alan and Ann Potts and was on the mark again for them when Sizing Italy easily won the Southampton Goodwill Chase.
Sizing Italy was always near the front and this was over once Burke asked him to stride on heading to the second last.
Said Burke: “He was fresh and well, jumped great and found plenty when required.”
Kate O’Farrrell rode her second winner when making most of the running on Snapchat in the John J Galvin Maiden Hurdle.
The modest Shark Hanlon-trained handicapper picked up nicely in the straight to beat Moores Road and the heavily backed Tiger Trek.
Commented O’Hanlon: “Kate gave it a great ride, she gave him a breather down the back.”
Tiger Trek was very disappointing. He was too free through the contest and then found little turning in when the question was popped by Paul Carberry.
Racing got underway with Kimbay, trained in Co Kildare by Iggy Lawlor, arriving late and fast to take the John and Terry Moriarty Memorial Handicap.
Successful previously at Dundalk, the mare found loads for Rory Cleary encouragement to touch off Teeline and Hatton Cross.
Seamus Heffernan, who rode Teeline, was found guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency and suspended for two days.
Racing ended with Mikey O’Connor driving Res Ipsa Loquitur to a narrow victory over Ontheground in the John Francis Handicap Hurdle.
O’Connor replaced Nina Carberry, who was involved in a car accident on her way to the races. Thankfully, Carberry escaped relatively unscathed.
* Yesterday's attendance was 26,712 compared to 27,523 last year.
