I’ll Sort That digs deep to give Declan Queally a first Grade One success
WHIP HAND: Declan Queally shows his delight after partnering I'll Sort That to victory in the Grade One Ballymore Novice Hurdle at Naas on Friday. Picture: Healy Racing
Progressive six-year-old I’ll Sort That made every yard of the running and dug deep to give trainer and rider Declan Queally a first Grade One success in the rescheduled Ballymore Novice Hurdle in Naas.
Completing a hurdling four-timer, the Sandmason gelding forced the pace but looked vulnerable when Patrick Mullins brought favourite Sortudo through to track the winner turning for home, on the extended run-in.
I’ll Sort That, beaten by Sortudo in a Fairyhouse bumper last Easter, responded to pressure from Queally (received a two-day whip ban) and the 5-1 shot stayed on dourly up the hill to triumph by two and a half lengths, with a 13-length gap back to third-placed Fruit De Mer.
“I can’t believe it — it’s brilliant,” declared Queally, the first amateur to win this race since it became a Grade One. It was a big ask coming from a small yard in the south of Ireland to come up here and take on the big boys in a Grade One. Thankfully, he’s pulled it out — dream stuff.
“I’ve played this race out in my mind a hundred times in the last two weeks and toyed with the idea of dropping him in. He only does enough in front but stays very well and he proved that today.
“Coming here for a Grade One is like a Junior C player being allowed play in an All-Ireland final.
“But this is a special horse. He’s very good and always works very well at home. We have other graded horses, but this fellow puts them in their place every day.”
Out of luck in the feature, Willie Mullins doubled-up with Future Prospect and debutant Quiryn on the supporting card.
Keen in her bumpers, Future Prospect made a successful start over hurdles when justifying 11-10 favouritism in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle.
Paul Townend’s mount mastered Newbrook Diamond on the extended run-in (more than a half mile) to score by nine and a half lengths.
David Casey, assistant to Mullins, explained: “She was very keen in her bumper but, since she started schooling, jumping hurdles is relaxing her. Paul couldn’t have been happier with her. We might look at something like the Solerina for her.”
The Closutton double was completed when Quiryn, in the familiar Masterson colours, made a successful debut in the Fifty Stars At Sunnyhill Stud Pro-Am 4-Y-0 Flat Race, forging clear to slam Apache Peak by nine lengths.
“He’s been working well and that was impressive,” stated Casey. “We’ve liked him since he arrived and we were hoping for a performance like that. He’s a fine, big horse and should improve away. He quickened up well and should go on to better things.”
The Mark Fahey-trained Flicker Of Hope made it two wins from three starts over fences when outpointing odds-on favourite Kurasso Blue and Bossofthebrownies in the EASYFIX Equine Novice Chase.
Ridden by Donagh Meyler, the 7/2 shot hit the front at the final fence before asserting in good style.
“That was brilliant,” stated Fahey. “He jumps brilliantly and was very good again. Donagh gave him a super ride and it was a good performance. We’ll enjoy today and make a plan during the week.”
Having her second outing over fences, The Great Nudie made virtually all under Seán Flanagan to take the mares’ beginners’ chase for Colin Bowe, beating Magic McColgan by 12 lengths.
Up 10lb for her win at Fairyhouse four weeks ago, Run For Cover made all for Martin and Conor Brassil in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle while Philip Rothwell’s Rockbrook (Tiernan Power-Roche) followed-up his Tramore win on New Year’s Day in the Race And Stay Handicap Chase.
