Ocean Murphy leads them home as Darragh O'Keeffe doubles up at Ballinrobe
Ocean Murphy and Darragh O'Keeffe won the Hollymount Nursing Home 4-Y-O Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe for owner Julie Thomas and trainer Philip Rothwell. Pic: Healy Racing
Enterprisingly ridden by the season’s leading rider Darragh O’Keeffe, Ocean Murphy made all to land the featured Hollymount Nursing Home 4-Y-O Handicap Hurdle before another huge crowd in Ballinrobe.
Philip Rothwell’s only runner on the card, the 5/2 shot rolled along in front, jumping boldly and, having seen off top-weight Manoir De Mirande, held the challenge of Houndsworth on the run-in to triumph by two and a quarter lengths.
“He’s only small, but loved it going around there,” said O’Keeffe.
“He had a light weight and I knew he stayed, so I wanted to be positive on him. We went a good gallop and he jumped great. We were in front a long time but, going to the second last, I decided that they could come and get me. It’s a nice pot to win, a good piece of placing by Philip. And I’m delighted to ride a winner for him.”
O’Keeffe doubled-up and brought his seasonal tally to 32 when giving Rusty Harkness, trained for Kenny Alexander by Henry de Bromhead, a bold front-running, bold-jumping spin to take the Corrib Oil Beginners Chase.
“He jumped brilliantly the first day, but I didn’t make enough use of it,” said O’Keeffe.
“Today, I bucked him out and let him gallop. He didn’t miss a beat and got a length at every fence. He’s a huge horse and stays really well. He’s going the right way and loves a bit of nice ground, so he’s a horse for the spring rather than real winter ground.”
And de Bromhead completed his own double when debutante Elegantement, in the familiar Robcour colours, ran out a convincing winner of the mares bumper, prompting her rider to comment, “She was very green and can only improve. She came off the bridle early, but I liked her attitude.”
Undoubtedly, the most impressive performance came in the BOYLESports Home Of The Early Payout Chase as the Willie Mullins-trained Bunting, in the colours of Tony Bloom, outclassed his two rivals.
Ridden by Danny Mullins, Bloom’s six-year-old made most of the running, jumped well, with the exception of one mistake, and coasted home a 15-length winner from former stable-companion Runcok.
“He’s a horse that has promised so much and has been knocking on the door both over hurdles and on the flat,” said the winning rider. “I think fences have woken him up. He jumped well, with one exception, but, even then, he was quick and away. With company, he can only build on this. It was a good performance over his minimum trip, on good ground. It’s just a case of getting him into a rhythm, and letting him at it.”
The John McConnell-trained Amina (Alex Harvey), in the colours of Pimlico Racing, landed the Paddy Smyth Memorial Mares Maiden Hurdle at the expense of Ronnie’s Rascal before surviving a stewards' enquiry.
“I was a bit anxious about running her because she wants three miles on slower ground,” said McConnell.
“But that’s beautiful ground and she was fine on it. She has a big frame and hasn’t fully furnished yet. Alex said she wasn’t doing a tap in front, so there should be more to come.”
Harry Kelly’s seven-year-old mare Princess Felicia opened her account in the Jerry McDonnell Memorial Handicap Hurdle, the 3/1 favourite, under Peter Smithers. Proving too strong for Joshua Chamberlain and Fine Print.
“We fancied her the last day and she ran well,” said Kelly, “The claim probably helped today and she did it well. I was sent her by Johnny Cummins. She’s game and it’s great that she’s won.”
