THIRD in last year’s edition of Down Royal’s featured Denny Hurdle over three miles, Reverend Hubert (9/4 favourite) went two places better this time around for trainer Charles Byrnes and owner James M. Flaherty.
The eight-year-old led after two out and, although pressed by Samui in the closing stages, was ridden out to win by three-quarters of a length.
“Small fields seem to help him and good ground is his thing,” said rider Philip Byrnes. “I probably sent him on plenty early and he fought well. He is a good, fun, dual-purpose horse and will probably go back to the flat for one of those good staying handicaps.”
Knocknagoran Lady (8/1) made it three wins from her last four starts in the Tayto Group Limited Handicap Hurdle over three miles.
In a race where the last two hurdles in the straight were omitted, the daughter of Lauro was sent on inside the final quarter-mile by Conor Stone-Walsh to beat Technology (four-day ban for Shane Fitzsimons for using the ProCush with excessive frequency) by two and three-quarter lengths.
“I wasn’t happy the two hurdles were taken out, because she’s a great jumper,” said Cian Hughes, who trains the seven-year-old for Noel Flanagan.
“We tweaked her wind, it was just a small procedure, and she has come good. We have her schooling over fences once a week and are looking forward to going chasing with her.”
THERE was a gap of 26 lengths between Nicky Larson and Nod Of Approval at Ballinrobe when they clashed in early August, but things were much tighter in the Coca-Cola HBC Ireland Juvenile Hurdle over two miles and a furlong.
Nicky Larson, owned by the EFP Partnership and sent off 8/13 favourite to defy a 6lb penalty for his win at the Co Mayo track, led until joined two out by Nod Of Approval, but the market leader just pulled out enough under jockey/pilot Sean Flanagan to edge ahead on the run-in for a half-length victory.
Winning trainer Paul Nolan said: “Sean landed his plane on the golf course out there, and I’d say there was a couple of fellas playing golf that didn’t know what was happening when they saw Flanagan coming in around the corner!
“It probably didn’t suit him to be making the running, but there was nothing much else Sean could do. I thought coming to the second last that we were beaten, but he knuckled down well.
“He’s rated 65 on the flat, so we might revert back to that before the ground changes too much.”
The well-backed 6/5 favourite Rare Times justified that support in the Dale Farm Dromona (Mares) Maiden Hurdle over two miles and a furlong.
The daughter of Affinisea, owned by Ger and Mary Mullins in partnership with trainer Mags Mullins, went on after three out to beat Jo’s Secret by two and a quarter lengths.
Rider J.J. Slevin commented: “Danny Mullins fancied her, he was trying to get a helicopter, he thought about it anyway!”
“She has loads of experience, likes that ground and would jump a fence for them in time.”
SUCCESSUL with Femme Magnifique at Wexford, Harry Kelly made it an across-the-card double when his newcomer Hutton Star (13/2) struck in the Hovis Ireland (Mares) INH Flat Race.
The Sottsass filly, out of owner John Donohue’s smart racemare Lagostovegas, travelled well and led a furlong out to beat Hillyfilly by two and a half lengths.
“Harry really liked her and thought she was definitely worth the ride,” said winning jockey Pa King. “I was with Harry when he trained Lagostovegas, she was a very good mare.
“This filly was green, but she found plenty and hit the line very strong.”
Ray Cody was another trainer to send out winners at both of Friday’s meetings as, after Game Point had won the first at Wexford, Teddy Jones (7/1) landed the Pepsico (Walkers Snacks) Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles.
Owned by the Blue Pink Partnership, the Maxios gelding led entering the straight and cleared away to score by seven and a half lengths from Seamy Appletart.
“It was a very messy race the whole way around,” said jockey Josh Williamson. “I was lucky I was down the inner, I didn’t have too much annoying me, but we were going quick and then we were steadying up at the hurdles. He handled it well and was very professional.
“I was in front a mile too soon, but the race kind of fell apart in front of me, so I was just trying to keep the bit up in his mouth. He was good and honest to the line.
“It’s just my second time to ride for Ray, so thanks to him for putting me up.”
Hurdles omitted
Due to low-lying sun, only five flights were jumped in the Golden Cow Handicap Hurdle over two miles and a furlong and Mo Ghille Mar (7/1) made all the running under Harry Sexton.
The Zoffany mare, trained by ‘Shark’ Hanlon for Bronsan Racing, kept on well in the straight to fend off Whispering Willow by three lengths.
“She jumped well, and I was able to go a good gallop and keep them all honest,” reported Sexton.
“When she winged the last (usual three out), I was still going fairly well. I knew she has plenty of flat ability and kept the squeeze on, and she was tough away to the line.”