ROCKY’S Diamond made a perfect start to his chasing career with a sure-footed round of jumping in the Racing TV Beginners Chase at Galway on Monday night.
Declan Queally’s charge was easy-to-back on his debut over fences, going to post a 9/4 shot, but proved a cut above his rivals. Promising amateur Michael Kenneally was positive on his mount, going on before the second fence in the two-mile, two-furlong contest.
Rocky’s Diamond jumped with enthusiasm throughout and, once asked for an effort after the final fence, the five-year-old galloped on strongly to record a five-and-a-half-length success. Addragoole stayed on to finish runner-up without threatening.
“That was brilliant, it was some round of jumping to be fair,” said Queally. “Michael had done a good bit of schooling on him, he knows when you see a long one on him just to go for it.
“We’ll probably look for a graded race somewhere. The Florida Pearl at Punchestown at the end of November is three miles. We’ll see. It’s unreal to have a horse like him, I’m just pinching myself every day. It’s great.”
Harry’s star
Lord Erskine has also been a star for trainer Harry Rogers and he recorded a 14th career victory when taking the Deacy Gilligan Hurdle earlier on the card.
The well-backed 11/4 shot (11/1 in morning) was left in the lead when Yeats Star was carried out by a loose horse three from home in the two-mile, five-furlong contest.
He made the best of his own way home from there, stretching clear under Darragh O’Keeffe from the second last for a 14-length success over Run For Oscar.
“It’s hard to believe, he’s been in great form all year and even last year,” said Rogers. “When they said it had gone good in places here today, I was nearly thinking about withdrawing but Darragh said it was on the slow side of good. He did it well. Hopefully he’ll go to Listowel after that.”
CIAN Collins had a good day at the office when saddling a 94/1 double, courtesy of Sporting Glance and Solly Attwell. The former came good on his handicap debut in the second division of the ‘100’ contest over two miles, six furlongs.
Danny Gilligan led before three out on the 4/1 favourite and he pulled clear on the run-in for a cosy five-and-a-half-length win over Oogum Boogum.
“It’s great to get that, I never thought he’d be in the ‘100’ bracket,” said Collins. “I thought he was going to be a very nice horse but he just took a bit of time, he’s a big frame. Hopefully, it’s onwards and upwards with him. We might go to Listowel now for another handicap.”
Back on top
Later, Solly Attwell bounced back to form when claiming the two-mile, six-furlong handicap chase under Jordan Gainford.
The 18/1 shot came with a strong run in the straight to lead passing the furlong marker and record a length-and-a-quarter success over fast-finishing Arctic Gale.
“He was disappointing the last day (when pulled up in Kilbeggan), the ground was probably too quick I think,” said Collins.
“I tested everything with him, as I was very disappointed, but everything came back fine. It was a better track for him here today as well. He did it well.”
Fencing future
Leave In Secret’s future lies over fences, but he continues to make hay for Tom Gibney in the meantime, adding another success over timber in the Anglo Printers Handicap Hurdle.
The 6/1 shot led after two out in the two-miler and stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a seven-length success over Hudson.
“That was lovely. We had actually planned to go chasing with him,” said Gibney.
“He was in good form and I said to the lads (Ballinrobe to Laytown Partnership) we’d go and try and win another hurdle in the meantime. Hopefully, it won’t put him out of them (beginners chases), but we’re delighted.”
MONEY Dancer justified favouritism in the opening Kenny Developments Maiden Hurdle with a commanding performance. Donagh Meyler’s mount collared front-runner Firebrand after the last in the two-miler and stretched clear in good style to record an 11-length win.
Trainer Noel Meade said afterwards: “She had a couple of good runs on the flat and looked like she’d win, but she got into trouble a couple of times, couldn’t get out, and was coming too late.
“She’s an obvious contender for the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel. We’ll have to see what way she’ll be handicapped.”
Impressive
Maximillian is another with a bright future after an impressive success in the concluding Kenny Developments-sponsored bumper. The Cormac Farrell-trained filly was given a well-judged hold up ride by Tommy Halford, leading turning for home and stretching clear to record a comprehensive 13-length success.
Halford said of the 7/2 winner: “She did everything easy and went through the race very well. She quickened right up to the line, it was impressive. She had a lovely run first time (when second in Ballinrobe), I probably didn’t get the light I wanted when I needed it then. She definitely improved again off it.”
Cashin back in with Waters
Navy Waters was a big-priced winner when giving handler Julie Cashin a welcome success in the first division of the two-mile, six-furlong handicap hurdle. The 20/1 shot was prominent throughout and came through to lead on the run-in, for Ryan Treacy, to post a two-and-a-quarter-length win over Southgate Avenue.
Cashin, recording her first winner since March 2023, said afterwards: “She travelled well and Ryan was good and confident on her. She had good form last season and she got hurt in Tipperary and had to have a little break.
“We’re very pleased, she’s sweet. As long as she stays in good form and the ground is reasonable, we’ll keep running.”