Banbridge scores on Flat debut to delight of trainer Joseph O'Brien 

Banbridge and Joey Sheridan win the Racing Again September 19th Maiden. Pic: Healy Racing

A three-time Grade One-winning chaser, Banbridge delighted his trainer Joseph O’Brien when scoring on his Flat debut and seasonal reappearance in the Gowran Park finale, the Racing Again September 19th Maiden.

Ridden by Joey Sheridan, the remarkable 10-year-old completed a double for his trainer/rider combination and registered the 12th success of his glittering career.

Having tracked the leaders, travelling well, Sheridan made his move on the 4-1 shot turning for home and, soon in front, Ronnie Bartlett’s gelding stayed on dourly to triumph by two lengths from Ballybawn Belter.

“He’s a lovely horse and, while we didn’t expect him to win, this was a nice starting point for his season and it was great to see him go through the race with such enthusiasm — and he won snug enough,” stated O’Brien. "His last run was in the (Aintree) National, so we didn’t know what to expect.” 

When quizzed about plans for Banbridge, O’Brien pointed out: “We have an American option and there are plenty of options at home, including the Champion Chase in the north.

“Ronnie (Bartlett) had Galvin placed in the American National and might be keen to go back to Far Hills with this fellow. I’ll chat to him and see what he wants to do.” 

Johnny Murtagh introduced £240,000 purchase Curracloe, in the colours of Qatar Racing, to produce an impressive debut success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF 2-Y-0 Fillies Maiden, first leg of a double for stable-jockey Ben Coen.

From the first crop of Baaeed, the 22-1 shot challenged along the inside rail and asserted inside the final furlong to beat Snowing by three and a quarter lengths, with even-money favourite Zenith Blaze third.

“She’s a nice filly, with a great temperament and has been working well, but I thought she’d need this first run,” stated Murtagh. “She jumped well from the gate, got a lovely position and picked up well.

“She must be well above average for one of our to win like that first time out. She might have one more run this season and should develop into a lovely middle-distance filly at three.” 

Coen had to share the second leg of his double as he adopted positive tactics on Danny Murphy’s Equus Victor in the colts’ maiden, only to be joined on the line by the Aidan O’Brien-trained 5-4 favourite Drumbeat (Wayne Lordan) on the line, forcing a dead-heat.

Both horses were making it third time lucky. And trainer Murphy commented: “He ran on the first day of the season and we decided to geld him and give him a break. He ran back at Dundalk and Dylan (Browne-McMonagle) told us that he wanted cut in the ground and seven furlongs. So it’s worked out great.” 

Joey Sheridan, successful later on Banbridge, registered his first success since return from suspension when Starborn Legend, also first leg of a double for his boss Joseph O’Brien, opened his account in the seven-furlong maiden, justifying 6/4 favouritism but pressed all the way by Keogie, with only a short-head separating them at the line.

“Siobhan (Rutledge, on the runner-up) and myself got it handy in front,” explained Sheridan. "After I headed her, I always felt my horse was doing enough.” 

Paddy Harnett moved to within one of Sam Coen (20-19) in the apprentice title-race when giving Martin Hassett’s Navajo Point (4-1 favourite) a power-paced ride to land the one-mile apprentice handicap at the expense of Rampage.

“His mother was slow but tough and this fellow has a bit more about him,” said Hassett. “He wants a cut and a mile and a quarter, so we have options. He fractured his pelvis in Roscommon last year and has taken time to come back.” 

Trainer Fozzy Stack acknowledged: “She needs and ease and is back from her summer holidays,” after Seamus Heffernan brought Solana Beach with a late surge to deny Ninth Crusade by a neck in the seven-furlong 1xBet.ie Handicap, adding: “She might strengthen up and improve a bit more.” 

Michael O’Callaghan, out of luck with Ninth Crusade, was on the mark when apprentice Reese Holohan partnered Quinta Girl to a gutsy half-length win over Tax Me Later in the Membership At Gowran Park Fillies Claimer.