Victory makes spectacular start
A modest enough hurdler, his only success at that game came in a maiden at Gowran Park, but he promises to do far better at what is surely his true calling.
Partnered by Bryan Cooper, Allied Victory’s jumping was quite brilliant and he literally never touched a twig.
Cooper allow him stride on with a circuit to cover and the last danger was removed when Prima Vista, trying to close at the time, got it all wrong two out.
Said Morris: “I’m delighted, there are no plans, we will probably find a winners’ of one somewhere.”
Dessie Hughes’ Tiger Trek, who had been proving costly to follow, found his level in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle, completing a double for Cooper.
This was a very poor contest, but the winner did his job in style, from the front, with Cooper able to sit motionless in the closing stages.
Hughes was represented by his daughter, Sandra, who said: “He did that well. Barry Geraghty rode him at Gowran and felt if he had kicked from the last they might have won. He doesn’t quicken, just stays.”
Hughes landed a double when Sub Lieutenant, who had hit the bar on a couple of occasions, justified favouritism in the Bumper.
He had to get the full treatment from Johnny King, though, before finally getting on top of Exxaro in the closing stages.
Commented Sandra: “He likes that good ground and will now go for a maiden hurdle.”
Noel Meade’s Down Ace was all the rage for the Holycross Mares’ Chase, finding 4-7 from 4-5.
She proved no match, however, for all-the-way winner, Dazzling Susie, a more than useful sort, when on song.
Enterprisingly handled by Brian O’Connell, she held a long lead for much of the journey, although the favourite did close her down going to the second last.
But Dazzling Susie had plenty in reserve and soon went away again to score by five and a half lengths.
Dazzling Susie is trained at Dunhill, Co Waterford by John Phelan, who said: “She has been disappointing, but made up for it today.”
The market got it wrong in the Premier County Hurdle, with the original favourite, He’llberemembered, proving too good for the heavily backed market leader, Moonshine Lad.
He’llberemembered is now an 11-year-old, but there is no sign of any lack of enthusiasm on his part and he was taken to the front between the last two flights by Shane Butler.
Moonshine Lad, who was struggling from a fair way out, finally condescended to put his best foot forward in the straight, but could never get in a real blow at the veteran.
Trainer, Paul Fahey, said: “He is a hard horse to place at this stage. He will now head to the Paddy Power (Leopardstown) and if we find another hurdle in the meantime will run in that first.”
Lone Star, trained by Aidan O’Brien, put his experience to good use when easily taking the Devils Bit three-year-old Maiden Hurdle.
Mind you he did flick the top of the first flight, but otherwise his technique was quite impeccable.
Ridden by Robbie Power, the son of Sea The Stars made most of the running and only had to be pushed out score by nine lengths. It was an 18th winner of the National Hunt campaign for O’Brien.
Denise O’Shea, who trains at Cloyne, Co Cork, enjoyed her first success when Shinahwil stayed on late for Jonathan Burke to beat Fellow Indian in the Leugh Handicap Hurdle.
“I just got my licence in May,” reported a delighted O’Shea. “She’s (Shinahwil) not over big, but is tough and honest and could go to Down Royal next Friday for a two miles and six handicap hurdle.”
Unlucky horse of the contest was Strain Of Fame, who was in front, and looking the likely winner, when falling at the last.
