Talking points
Eye-catcher of the day
Perhaps he lacked a little pace on drier ground than he ideally wants, but Seaniecon was still running on at the death in the Listed Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle after coming off the bridle earlier than most and remains capable of winning a big handicap for Jonjo and A.J. O’Neill. Having been racing in much smaller fields in Britain than this 24-runner affair, it might have been a slight culture shock for him turning for home with action happening on either side of him, but he stayed on stronger than anything in the final furlong, despite finishing fifth. He could be a decent staying chaser in time, if taking to that discipline.
Quote of the day
“I was inside in the bed last night, watching replays of [Punchestown] Stayers’ Hurdles all night long. I didn’t really sleep a wink; I was trying to get a plan together. It’s magical to do this and it’s great to be riding for a brilliant operation” - Darragh O’Keeffe ensured his homework paid off on Bob Olinger in the day-four highlight.
Ride of the day
Honours have to be split evenly here between Darragh O’Keeffe on Bob Olinger in the feature and Donagh Meyler on Blue Mosque in the blacktype staying handicap. Both men were in flying form on the day and delivered in spades when the chips were down from off the pace. In fairness, O’Keeffe’s ride on Adrienne was a contender too.
Market mover of the day
It appeared there were some interesting movers through the day without an obvious plunge that stood out above all others. Teahupoo was strong late on in the Champion Stayers’ Hurdle (SP 5/4 favourite from 9/4). Having been 16/1 in the morning and 10/1 in the ring, an SP of 6/1 for Bon Bon Fizz in the bumper represented a decent contraction close to the off in the bumper. Blue Mosque was also well backed into 6/1 favourite from morning odds of 10/1.
In-running carnage of the day
You could have backed Beauvallon at 109/1 in-running on his way to winning the opening novice hurdle, but the biggest market swings were saved for the Grade 1s and the bumper. Kopek Des Bordes hit 1/10 before his fall at the second last and Teahupoo went as short as 2/9 only to be reeled in by Bob Olinger. Bumper second Bon Bon Fizz,who ran a race of serious promise on his first start for Gordon Elliott, matched at a low of 1/5 only to be gunned down by Adaboy Mushy.
Performance of the day
Top marks to the mighty veteran Bob Olinger, who was produced in outstanding shape to win in Grade 1 company at the age of 11. He goes out at the top, as he deserves to do after a career that gave enjoyment to so many.