KILLARNEY’S National Hunt card on Thursday evening wasn’t short of incident, and the final two races were cancelled due to insufficient medical cover and fading daylight.
After his Galway heroics, jockey Daniel King kept his good run going when partnering Autumn Twist (7/2 joint-favourite) to victory in the GMIB Handicap Hurdle over two miles, one furlong.
In front early, the Golden Horn gelding regained the initiative before the second-last and went way to beat Moylussa by four and half lengths.
The five-year-old is trained, for Katie and Brian Castle, by Denis Hogan. “We were hoping he’d run well, he took me through the race and did it nicely” reported King.
“Today’s flatter track suited him better than when running on the flat at Galway the last day and we went a nice gallop, which suited.”
Sea Of Dubka (5/4 favourite) was a fortuitous winner of the Sheahan’s Pharmacy 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle over two miles, one furlong. Harmani looked to have the measure of the Sea The Moon filly when coming down at the last, which left the hurdling debutante clear to score by 16 lengths from Minella Buoy.
Henry de Bromhead trains the winner for Anthony Head, Stephen McCarthy and Linda Shanahan.
“In fairness, Jack’s horse (Kennedy, Harmani) quickened up really well, while my one is probably a good stayer,” said rider Darragh O’Keeffe.
“He was very unfortunate at the last. We’ve plenty of schooling done with her, and it kind of told today.
“She was having a bit of a look but, once she got over a couple of hurdles, she has plenty of scope and I was delighted with the way she attacked the last three hurdles.”
O’Keeffe doubled up when producing Andy Slattery’s Ladies Well (3/1 joint-favourite) to lead before the last in the Easyfix Equine Handicap Chase over two miles, seven furlongs.
The Mahler mare was ridden out to beat Cullenwaine by four and a quarter lengths.
“We were hoping they’d go a good gallop as she stays going,” said assistant trainer Willie Slattery.
“Cian Quirke and Philly Donovan are our regular jump riders, but they both seem to get injured at the same time.
“We are very lucky to have Darragh and Danny Gilligan as replacements, so we’re never scarce for options.
“The (Mrs Crogh’s) syndicate is headed by Lar Corbett, who previously had Mrs Crogh’s Bar. They are a great group from Thurles, and include another hurler, Ger ‘Redser’ O’Grady.”
TRAINED by Willie Mullins for Peter Davies, Diamond Du Berlais easily landed odds of 4/9 favourite in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle over over two miles, seven furlongs.
Brian Hayes’ mount led before three out and won by an eased-down six and a half lengths from Brother Walfrid.
“She was disappointing here the last day, but was entitled to do that,” said assistant trainer Patrick Mullins.
“In fairness, our horses weren’t running to their very best in July and stepping up in trip definitely helped her. At the start of July, our horses weren’t quite bombing along, but since Galway they have been red-hot.
“There is a race for her in Listowel and we’re also toying with the idea of running in a mares’ race at Far Hills.
“That race is over two miles, so we might have to put cheekpieces on her, but I’m hoping she is good enough to drop back in trip at that level.
“Pete is keen for an adventure and I’d also like to ride over there, although she’d need a penalty for me to make the weight.”
Third-placed Local News jumped a wing and hit a doll after the third-last hurdle, and was disqualified for taking the wrong course.
Rider Josh Williamson was cautioned, while the winner’s rider Brian Hayes was given a two-day suspension for careless riding after his mount briefly tightened up that rival after jumping left three out.
HAVING tracked the leaders, Ballystone (4/1) went on two out to land the Thorn Plant Hire Beginners Chase over two miles, seven furlongs
Trained by John McConnell for Derek Kierans, the Shirocco gelding had three lengths to spare over Fort Dino.
Jockey Josh Williamson said: “Galway was his first run over fences and, no matter how good they are at home, they’re bound to improve for a run and he was brilliant there today, never missed a beat.
“His jumping got me into the race and I never had to use any petrol to get there. Chasing appears to be his game and he’s a very measured jumper.”
‘We fancied him’
Miners Bridge (13/8 favourite) landed a second course success in the Brehon Hotel & Spa Handicap Chase over two miles, five furlongs.
The Mahler gelding, ridden by Phillip Enright, headed Tippin And Tappin after two out to score by a length and three-quarters.
The nine-year-old is owned by the CKC Syndicate and trainer Sam Curling commented: “He had a grand run on his first run back from a layoff, and we had this race planned for a while.
“We fancied him as he was working well. He has always been a good horse, but has had plenty of trouble. If we get a clear run with him, he might win another one or two.
“There are four in the syndicate - myself, Ross Keohane and jockey valets Mike and Liam Cleary. They’ve been patient and there was no problem with me giving the horse more time.”