Last fence woe for Ruby Walsh as Black Hercules crashes out
A determined ride by Ruby Walsh saw Sambremont, 11/4 outsider of the three runners, overhaul Ttebbob in the Flyningbolt Novice Chase after the winner’s stable-companion Tell Us More fell, when apparently in command, at the second last fence.
Measureofmydreams (Paul Townend) appeared to be held by odds-on stable-companion Black Hercules when Ruby Walsh’s mount, little more than a length in front, crashed at the final fence, leaving the 12/1 shot to land the Ten Up Novice Chase by five lengths from Noble Endeavor.
Odds-on favourite Ttebbob set a strong pace in the Flyingbolt, tracked all the way by Tell Us More, which jumped left throughout. Bryan Cooper delivered his challenge on Tell Us More at the third last, where the leading protagonists collided on landing.
Tell Us More was soon in front and had drawn about four lengths clear when again jumping left and hitting the deck at the next.
Sambremont, unable to keep tabs on the leading paid throughout, was left seven or eight lengths down. But Ruby soon sensed a chance and drove his mount to chase Ttebbob. Still at least three lengths down jumping the last, Sambremont landing running and battled on to wear down his rival close home to score by a length.
Ruby commented: “After Tell us More fell, I thought I had half a chance and, in fairness to him, he kept plugging away. Ttebbob missed the last a bit and lost momentum and my horse landed running.”
Later, Willie Mullins confirmed: “It was a fortuitous win and the four-miler (National Hunt Chase) has always been the plan with him.” He reported that Tell Us More sustained an over-reach.
Similar comments applied after Measureofmydreams benefited from the last fence exit of 4/11 shot Black Hercules and Ruby Walsh in the Ten Up, Mullins commenting: “It was a nice race to win with Measureofmydreams. I’d imagine he would prefer better ground. He has three entries at Cheltenham (JLT, RAA and National Hunt Chase), so I must discuss plans with his owners.”
He added: “Pleasant Company (made most of the running and finished third) ran a nice race and will go for the four-miler. As for Black Hercules, we won’t be changing plans, whatever they may be.”
The Mullins treble was completed when Patrick partnered 2/7 favourite Blow By Blow to victory over Jett in the bumper, confirming his debut form at Punchestown with the winner and providing Gigginstown House Stud with its third winner of the day.
“He improved from his first run and we’ve been happy with his work”, explained Mullins. “He’s a big chasing individual and will go for a winners bumper, on this side of the Irish Sea.”
Sean Flanagan registered his biggest win since starting his association with Noel Meade when Snow Falcon, 11/4 outsider of the three-runners, proved too strong for the Gigginstown-owned seasonal debutants Lieutenant Colonel and Dedigout in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Boyne Hurdle.
Denied a run up the inside and switched before the second last, Snow Falcon picked up well to master Lieutenant Colonel and stayed onto triumph by two and three-quarter lengths.
“His biggest problem has always been his jumping- he has a little back problem. But, if he jumps as well as that he can go anywhere,” said a delighted Meade.
“He’ll take his chance in the World Hurdle now and, as an Aga Khan-bred, we might try him on the flat at some stage.”
Snow Falcon was cut to 25/1 (from 50) for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle by the race-sponsors and Paddy Power.
Third on his hurdling debut at Gowran and having his second run for Gordon Elliott, Automated (Jack Kennedy) reversed form with favourite Alamein in the opening maiden hurdle, edging ahead before the last flight before drawing clear to beat Stuccodor by six lengths, with the favourite third.
“He’s a grand little horse and will be better on better ground,” stated Elliott. “We’ll have a lot of fun with him and he might win again on the flat.”
After his earlier Grade 2 disappointments on Tell Us More and Dedigout, Bryan Cooper enjoyed better luck when providing Elliott with a double as Nickname Exit captured the Davis Civil Engineering Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old stayed on dourly to hold Owenacurra Milan by two and a half lengths, providing Elliott with his 99th National Hunt winner in Ireland this season.
He admitted: “Conditions suited him well – the trip and bottomless ground.”
The father and son combination of Eamonn and Eoin O’Connell (riding his first winner as a professional) landed the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle with 14/1 shot Admiral Brian, which swept past flattering favourite Dr.Waluigi at the final flight to win by eight lengths.
