Venusienne stars in Tramore claiming the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle

Venusienne was the first leg of as Closutton double, completed when the Brian Hayes-ridden mare May Call You Back notched her fourth career success In the Rickardstown Handicap Chase, holding the late challenge of recent Sligo winner Sayitfirst by a short-head before surviving a Stewards Enquiry.

Thu, 09 Oct, 2025 - 18:54

John Ryan

Venusienne, whose only previous form was in black-type company, proved the undoubted star in Tramore, romping to a wide-margin victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.

The J P McManus-owned Authorized mare, placed at listed level as a juvenile in France, was sent off 2/7 on a track where her trainer has won maiden hurdles with subsequent Grade 1 performers Gaelic Warrior and Saint Roi at this track in recent seasons.

And, soon in front, Paul Townend’s mount completed dominated the contest, jumping fluently and gradually drawing clear to win, unchallenged, by 27 lengths from 50/1 shot Glenmalure Lady.

“It wasn’t the strongest of races, but she did what we were hoping she’d do,” stated the winning rider. “I was happy to take a lead, but he she jumped to the front and I let her do her thing.

“She jumped very well, except for being a bit clumsy at the last. But she flew around here in second gear and I got a lovely feel off her. Hopefully, she has a bright future.”

“I think she’s better over fences than hurdles,” stated Hayes. “She has loads of scope. She pricked her ears coming to the last and got under it and it took her a while to get going again. But she’s mad tough and very game.”

Trainer Francis Casey, who ended a long barren spell when Rock Ya Boy Ya scored (at the 29th attempt) in Killarney on Sunday, saddled the seven-year-old again ridden by 7lb. claimer Alix Balfe, to follow-up in the Ardmore Handicap Hurdle, forging clear of Stoneyford Lady.

“He’s been a revelation, winning twice in a week,” said Casey. “He’s our first winner here and we’ll be back – there’s a meeting here on New Year’s Day and he might come back for a beginners chase.”

Scoring for the sixth time in her career and recording her second win at Tramore, Killinure Lass (10/1) took the Tramore Racecourse On Instagram Handicap Hurdle for Philip Dempsey and Jordan Gainford, turning over Tuesday’s Galway chase winner and 10/11 favourite Inthenickoftime.

“She likes it here,” stated Dempsey. “She got there soon enough but found plenty – I’m just glad she kept going. I’m not sure what the plan is, but she’s been a great servant and will probably be covered next year.”

The Gavin Comwell-trained Juke Box Rock made a successful chasing debut when justifying 5/2 favouritism in the Waterford Greenway Beginners Chase ahead of a return to hurdling for a 0-100 three-miler at Down Royal.

And a gamble of Philip Fenton’s Le Roi Du Livet was foiled in the bumper, denied by a nose by Barra Rua, ridden for Emmet Mullins by his partner Maxine O’Sullivan.