HENRY de Bromhead was the trainer to follow at Kilbeggan on Friday evening, recording a treble on the card. Magic Day initiated the treble when landing the SIS, Supporting Irish Racing Mares Handicap Hurdle.
Sent off 7/1, the Chris Jones-owned six-year-old got up close home to beat Bayou Belle by half a length. Jockey Darragh O’Keeffe said: “The last day we were a bit unlucky as we missed the first and were put in a bit of a pocket and had to sit and suffer.
“There was a good pace on today and the step up in trip suited her. She got the job done and, with the rain, the ground is probably as soft as she’d want it. I’d say she’d be better on nicer ground. She’ll go jumping fences at some stage.”
Double up
Rachael Blackmore was on board Look To The West, who brought up a double for de Bromhead in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.
Carrying the Robcour colours, the 10/11 favourite went clear from two out to win easily by three and a half lengths. Blackmore said, “She had some lovely runs over hurdles, and it was good to do that over fences.
“She’s very straightforward and her jumping was really good. She’d a nice run the last day. I got her into a bit of trouble up the straight, so it was nice to keep things a lot simpler today. That trip suited her today and options are open for her.”
Completed it
De Bromhead completed his treble as Freddie Robdal came from last to first to win the SIS, Supporting Irish Racing Handicap Chase. Partnered by Darragh O’Keeffe, who was himself registering a double, the 16/1 chance stayed on strongly to win by one and a half lengths in the colours of the Dave Clerkin Racing Club.
O’Keeffe commented: “He jumped brilliant the whole way. They went a good gallop on the ground, and I was always going to ride him cold because of the trip. He has a good record fresh and I got a good jump at the last when I got the split, and he kept going to the line.
“I was a bit concerned about the trip. I rode him over two and a half miles in Leopardstown over hurdles and thought he didn’t stay on the day but chasing is different and he jumped so well today.”
PARK That won the opening Spring Two Day N.H. Race Meeting Maiden Hurdle for Enda Bolger and Jody McGarvey, while supplying owner J.P. McManus with a one-two. Sent off 11/10 favourite, the winning gelding Park That just held the eye-catching Powerful by a short-head.
Enda Bolger said: “I’d say he’d be a little bit happier going the other way as he was lugging out a bit to his left. He had the winter form to win it. We’ll keep going with him if there is juice in the ground. He’s a big boy and is a chaser in the making. He’s a very well-bred horse.”
Cave goes clear
Gigginstown-owned St Cuthbert’s Cave went clear after the last to open his account in the KilbegganRaces.com Maiden Hurdle. Josh Williamson was in the saddle as the Gordon Elliott-trained 2/1 joint-favourite scored by two and a quarter lengths.
Williamson said: “He’s done it well and was entitled to, on his form. He’s hit the crossbar a couple of times and the fall the last day didn’t seem to matter to him as he’s a good jumper.
“On good ground I thought he’d be fine. After the rain it’s probably yielding to soft out there and that’s ideal ground for any jumper. He handled it well. Two and a half for the moment is okay and you could see him getting further in the future.”
PHILLIP Enright got Joe’s Turn up right on the line to land the Mullingar Handicap Hurdle. Trained by Mark McNiff, the 9/2 chance carried the silks of owner Francisca Carton to a head win over Kyle Valley.
Enright commented: “In fairness to him he was game from the back of the last and put his head down – thankfully it was down in the right spot! He won over fences here last year, so he obviously likes the track.
“Mark McNiff does a magnificent job with these horses. He trains up on the beach, probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves and I’m just lucky that he likes using me.
“He’s very easy to ride for, gives no instructions and it’s ride the race as you find it. Win, lose or draw there are no angry words.”
Happy Jacky won the concluding Racing Again Friday May 16th Beginners Chase for Mark Fahey and Ricky Doyle. Sent off a well-backed 9/2 chance (from 14/1), the veteran carried the colours of owner/breeder Paddy Ryan to a five-and-a-half-length success.
Trainer Mark Fahey said: “He has a very high mark over hurdles and I’m not sure where we will go now. He jumped well enough there that we could put him back into a handicap.”