Windsor Park coasts to smooth success
The Dermot Weld-trained five-year-old triumphed by nine and a half lengths in the colours of Dr. Ronan Lambe, completing an across-the-card double for his trainer, successful with Zawraq at Leopardstown, who ended the 2014 flat campaign with 92 wins in Ireland.
Winning rider Robbie McNamara stated: “A mile and six is probably too short for him – if he keeps progressing, he could be an Ascot Gold Cup horse, but I’d prefer if he goes over hurdles!
“He’s had a few issues, but taking time with him has paid off. He’s a very classy horse, with a bright future.”
Smiler, owned, trained and ridden by Mikey O’Connor, made every yard of the running to capture the featured Faber Audiovisuals Handicap Hurdle at the expense of Dandridge, O’Connor commenting: “I didn’t think he’d be good enough today. He’s only a handy horse and this was a nice pot to win with him. Maybe he’ll be a Galway Hurdle horse next year, off a light weight.”
A determined ride by Jonathan Burke saw Cavite Beta, trained by Jim Dreaper for Alan and Ann Potts, deny Mister Hotelier in the SanServ Rated Novice Chase, in which favourite Un Beau Roman crashed with Ruby Walsh at the second last.
Dreaper confirmed: “He’s a good ground horse and will have the winter off.”
Bryan Cooper steered long odds-on favourite All Hell Let Loose to an easy win in the opening Corrib Oil maiden Hurdle, the Kerry man’s sixth winner since his recent return to action
All Hell Let Loose is trained by Dessie Hughes for Gigginstown House Stud, who were denied a double in the bumper when Gordon Elliott’s 1/2 shot Captain Von Trappe proved no match for Peter Fahey’s Bay Of Freedom, ridden by Katie Walsh.
