Classy Red hot to trot
Red Moloney was given a 33-1 quote by victor Chandler for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle after striking gold at Musselburgh.
The four-year-old gelding had some useful form on the Flat for Kevin Prendergast in Ireland and made a successful jumping debut in the second division of the TurfTV Showing The Best Racecourses Maiden Hurdle.
Supporters of the 5-6 favourite had a heart-stopping moment as he was knocked sideways by Irish raider Skylancer when disputing the lead at the second-last hurdle.
Denis O’Regan did remarkably well to keep the partnership intact, however, and went away to score by five lengths from King In Waiting.
Red Moloney, who finished third to Septimus in the Irish St Leger in September, was bought by owner Graham Wylie for 150,000 guineas.
Wylie said: “I think that was an OK price (considering his form) and I was very pleased with him.
“He jumped well and I think Denis did a brilliant job to stay with him at the second-last hurdle. He then went away and though he has plenty of speed, he has stamina too.”
Having sent out four winners here at the last meeting, Howard Johnson also won the first division of the maiden with Caravel.
He was always travelling and jumping well and was better value then the bare official winning distance of one and three-quarter lengths.
Wylie said: “We were slightly concerned that the race might come too soon for him after Aintree, which was only two weeks ago.”
Jockey David Dennis’ five-hour trip from Worcestershire to Musselburgh paid off when Viper won the Play Poker Onlinescotbety.com Handicap Hurdle in spectacular fashion.
The 11-4 favourite, trained by Reg Hollinshead, was sent to the front from the outset.
Soon well clear of the field, he was at least 30 lengths in front at the half-way stage and won by an eased-down 10 lengths from Kyber.
Dennis, who was securing his first victory at Musselburgh, said: “It is a long way from Worcestershire – we left at a quarter to six – but it was well worth it when you get rides like Viper.”
Ray Green, a director at the course, was present to see Festival King carry his colours to victory in the Play Casino Onlinescotbet.com Novices’ Handicap Chase.
The Timmy Murphy-ridden six-year-old stayed on gamely to defeat Cybora by eight lengths.
The winner is trained by Pauline Robson, who said: “Timmy is a master – he is brilliant and he makes it all look easy and I know it isn’t.
“And it is great to train from someone like Mr Green.”
Cybora’s trainer, Ferdy Murphy, had better luck when Kalmo Bay showed the way home under Ewan Whillans in the Scottish Racing Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase.
Jim Goldie saddled his first winner in a bumper when Hillview Boy came out best under conditional James Reveley in the Watch Live On Channel 432 Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race.
