THE Bray Harriers staged the fourth and final fixture of the season at Fairwood Park, with testing conditions taking its toll on the 39 runners in action.
Just Dromleigh (1/1 - 5/4 favourite) and Erigmoor finished in the six-runner winners of two, with 40 lengths between them at the post.
Owned and trained by Seamus Murnane, the successful Ocovango 10-year-old raced in a share of the lead with Beg To Differ, but was left clear by the fall of that rival five fences from the finish.
Increasing his advantage before the penultimate obstacle, the David Doyle-ridden victor coasted to a facile win, following up on his Cragmore success from last month.
“He had a heavy fall at Tramore nearly two years ago, and I’d say it took him an awful long time to come right after it. He was down for half an hour, and he was feeling the effects of it for a while,” Murnane reported.
“The plan is to find a winners’ of three now somewhere, if there is one, before going for the Ladies Cup. That would be my dream.”
Jack is back
Bringing the total number of non-completions to 20, three more failed to finish in the six-year-old and upwards geldings’ maiden, with Kiwi De Cotte (2/1 - 3/1) claiming this concluding heat.
Providing Jack Hendrick with his first winner since returning from injury, the Denis Murphy-trained six-year-old led for the majority of the journey and increased his advantage from two out, coming home six lengths clear of The Rebel Fox.
“He was like a breaker the first day [when pulled up at Ballycrystal on debut]. He’s had little niggly problems all his life, and this is the first time we’ve got a run on him,” Murphy, who also owns the €65,000 Goffs Arkle Sale graduate, commented.
“He is a horse that actually has quite a lot of ability; he has always shown us plenty. It’s quite possible that he’ll go for a winners’ race now. Jack said he was still green enough, and he’s going to be a big improver.”
ONE of two debutants in the line-up, Anna Berry’s Sub Editor (5/1 - 5/2 joint-favourite) claimed the five-year-old geldings’ maiden, providing connections with a timely boost.
In the care of Johnny Berry, whose father Mick passed away the previous week, the homebred son of Jet Away made all, with fellow newcomer Noble Fleet keeping close tabs in second.
There continued to be very little between the pair as they raced up the straight for the final time, with half a length ultimately separating them at the line.
“We were expecting a good run. We had him ready to run a few times before but between one thing and another he just didn’t get out,” winning rider Josh Berry, son of the successful handler, remarked.
“He was ready today and is a straightforward horse, so I bounced out in front and kept it simple. Hopefully he’ll be alright now after this and head on to the sales.”
Day for debutants
Another debutant claimed the opening four-year-old maiden, with Onetingfornuttin (6/4 - 10/3) impressively dismissing six rivals in the colours of Milestone Bloodstock Ltd.
Benefitting from a patient Barry O’Neill ride, the €92,000 Tattersalls Derby Sale purchase made good progress from early on the final circuit and swept by the front-running Storm Bresie at the second last, going on to beat that rival by 12-lengths.
“We had the half-brother [Arizona Cardinal] and he went on to win the Topham,” winning trainer Colin Bowe reflected. “This fella is a lovely horse and Conor Blake rides him at home. He is a nice staying horse, and the ground is very testing, so he handles it well.”
THE highlight of a double for Sean Doyle, Gale Force Jet (6/4 - 7/4 joint-favourite) booked his Cheltenham ticket by registering his third win of the season in the novice riders’ open.
Making it three wins from four starts at this Wicklow circuit, the Jet Away seven-year-old was given a patient ride by Cormac Byrne, and despite making a mistake three out, he soon moved right into contention.
Improving to lead just before the penultimate obstacle, the likeable bay quickly settled matters and came home eight lengths clear of the hat-trick seeking Beau Walking.
“We thought loads of him last season, and he just went a little bit wrong on us. We have him in great form now,” Doyle, who trains the winner for his brother Gearoid, commented.
“We’ll give him an entry in the Foxhunters at Cheltenham, and he could just have a little outside chance in it. He’s very good.”
Making all
A €60,000 Goffs Arkle Sale purchase, the Monbeg Partnership-owned Spring Thistle (5/2) completed Doyle’s brace in the five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden.
Pulled up on her sole previous start at Borris last season, the Walk In The Park bay made all under Jamie Scallan and ultimately eased to an eight-length win, with Glenmalure Flyer the only other finisher in this six-runner heat.
“We fancied her in Borris last year, and things just didn’t go right,” Doyle said of his five-year-old, who is a half-sister to 2019 Grand Annual winner Croco Bay. “She is a mare with a lot of ability and has a very good pedigree. I might aim her for the Gain Final at Ballynoe in six weeks’ time.”
Horse to follow
Noble Fleet (D. P. Murphy): A €46,000 Goffs Arkle Sale purchase, this son of Westerner lost little in defeat on debut. Racing in a close second throughout, he ultimately couldn’t get by the winner, with just half-a-length between them on crossing the line. Drawing clear of the only other finisher, he is sure to step forward from this initial effort.