LEADING handler Declan Queally’s decision to turn out Fenno’s Storm (3 - 5/2) quickly after an effort at Boulta seven days previously paid rich dividends as the eight-year-old claimed the scalp of Stand Up And Fight in the open-lightweight at Kilfeacle.
The afternoon’s feature attracted six runners but turned into a match between the pair as the field faced the penultimate obstacle. Responding well to his trainer’s urgings from this point, the Maurice Walsh-owned gelding asserted approaching the final obstacle where a more fluent leap allowed him to forge further clear on the flat to triumph by four lengths.
“That was great, particularly as the ground wasn’t really soft enough for him. His next run will most likely be in the Tetratema Hunters Chase at Gowran Park which he won last year and we’d also be looking towards the Joseph O’Reilly Hunters Chase,” commented Queally of his now seven-time points winner.
TREBLE
On yet another profitable afternoon for Cappagh amateur Queally, he completed a treble in the saddle as Springfield Fox (Evs - 4/6 favourite) preserved his unbeaten record when annihilating his rivals in the following winners of three. John Needham’s homebred grey began to get the upper hand after the third-last and from here the five-year-old ultimately cruised clear to score by 14 lengths from Shuil Luas.
“I think he’s a fair horse. He could be a National type of horse in time, as there doesn’t seem to be any way to get to the end of him. We’ll see how he is during the week but he may appear again at Ballinaboola next weekend,” stated the successful rider/trainer.
The afternoon had commenced in the best possible fashion for Queally when guiding the Kieran Purcell-owned/handled Solo Cargo (3 - 5/1) to a battling triumph in the 18-runner five-year-old geldings’ maiden. Following an excellent second-placed effort at Mainstown, the chesnut looked destined for the runner-up berth again for much of the home straight as debutant Ain’t That A Shame went clear under Ray Barron.
However, Queally conjured a sustained late charge from the Salutino gelding to head Shirley Berry’s inmate on the line. Windgap, Co Kilkenny-located Purcell reflected: “He is a very tough and genuine horse. He had a lovely run last time out after a break and I think he is one that will win plenty of races. He will probably be sold now.”
The Robert Tyner-trained Carrigmoorna Pine (4/5 - 2/1 favourite) is another set for a trip to Gowran Park in March following his facile victory in the concluding older geldings’ maiden. Sporting the silks of the Old Fools Partnership, the Oscar gelding was patiently-ridden throughout by Derek O’Connor before making smooth headway on the approach to the straight.
Assuming command shortly after, the six-year-old soon powered away to account for closest pursuer Vinnies Nephue by a cosy three lengths. “This is a lovely horse that’s all of 17hh and more. He was probably just a little bit weak last year after his lovely debut run. He will hopefully go for the point-to-point bumper in Gowran now,” disclosed Tyner.
DEBUT WINNER
The five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden saw 11 face the starter and it was the Michael Moloney-owned Dualla Time (4 - 6/1) who was able to make a taking winning debut. Handled by John Ryan near Templemore, Co Tipperary, the daughter of Cloudings was always positioned prominently under Shane Fitzgerald. The five-year-old showed a good turn of foot late in the day and overcame a final obstacle error to dispose of fellow newcomer Forthegreatergood by a length and a half.
“This is a classy sort of a mare with a lot of pace. That’s why we elected to make the running with her today. She has a few options now including a mares’ winners race but she’ll have a nice future on the track in time,” said Ryan.
A winners’ race is also the next likely port of call for Byerely Beag (2 - 4/1) following his surprise triumph in the confined maiden. Sent to post the outsider of the three participants having failed to make the frame in his previous eight career starts, Patrick Hennessy’s gelding produced a number of excellent leaps throughout under Roger Quinlan and as a result found himself moving to the head of affairs after two-out. From this point to the line, the 11-year-old maintained his advantage over Verticalpebble to win by a length and a half.
The winner is trained in Emly, Co Tipperary by the successful owner’s son Sean who remarked of his charge: “This lad had some good runs in maiden hurdles a few years back but unfortunately he got a touch of a leg after that. He’s taken a lot of time but today was his day, he’s won now and we’re over the moon.”
Successful short trip to Kilfeacle
MICHAEL Moloney had a short but very successful trip to Kilfeacle as he enjoyed his initial success as an owner courtesy of his Dualla Time in the mares’ maiden. Moloney was mobbed by family and friends, as his charge received a most vociferous welcome on her return to the number one spot. “We’re absolutely delighted,” summarised the farmer based near Cashel.
“It’s a real family occasion as she was bred by my brother-in-law, a stone’s throw from here and about two years ago my niece recommended that I buy her. John (Ryan) has put a lot of work into the mare and it’s all paid off today.”
Hospitality tent
ON a bright and sunny but cold afternoon, the Scarteen Hunts long-standing tradition of providing a complimentary hospitality tent to patrons was very well-supported. Hunt treasurer Marie Barnwell along with other hunt members ensured that there was a plentiful supply of hot and cold drinks, and a large selection of baked goods and sandwiches for those in attendance.
Mrs Barnwell explained: “I think it’s a nice way of showing our appreciation for both racegoers and members of the hunt community young and old.
“It’s nice to take time to chat with others and all donations we take here will be going towards the Irish Injured Jockeys Fund.”
Horse To Follow
AIN’T THAT A SHAME (S. Berry): This gelding made a most promising debut when only failing narrowly to land the five-year-old geldings’ maiden. He travelled notably well throughout and only gave best to a more experienced rival late in the day. A similar race should be within his grasp before he progresses to the track.