WHILE the November sunshine was very much welcome, it resulted in the final two flights being omitted on all circuits in the four hurdle races down for decision.
The 14 runners for the opening 2026 Annual Badge At Tramore Racecourse Maiden Hurdle had just four obstacles to negotiate, with Bon Viveur (13/8) coming out on top.
Trained by Willie Mullins, owned by his wife Jackie and ridden by their son Patrick, the €85,000 Tattersalls Derby Sale graduate raced mainly in second, as evens-favourite Khmer attempted to make all.
Pushed along to lead with over a furlong to go, the successful Flemensfirth bay soon asserted and was four lengths clear at the line, with 80/1 outsider Youneedabitofluck filling the runner-up spot.
“That was good and I think he’ll improve from it. I was actually cursing when the hurdles were taken out because he jumps really well,” the winning rider reflected.
“Jumping fences is what I’ll be looking forward to with him and he’s for sale.”
Another son of Flemensfirth struck in the 2026 Group Package Deals Online Beginners Chase, with Aclass taking this eight-runner heat.
Winning return
On his first ride back since returning from America, Jordan Canavan partnered this John Flavin-trained seven-year-old to a comfortable success.
After racing mainly in fourth, the 7/2 chance improved to lead between horses approaching two out and skipped clear before the last, ultimately coming home six and a half lengths to the good in the colours of the Pints and Prosecco Syndicate.
“I did a three-month stint in America with Leslie Young and loved every minute of it. I got plenty of opportunities there,” Canavan enthused.
“I’m based with John full-time now and hopefully this winner will give me a springboard.”
FRESH from a double at Kempton the previous afternoon, Emmet Mullins and Donagh Meyler were again on the mark with Barra Rua in the New Years Day Discount Tickets Online Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Making virtually all, the 11/4 chance wasn’t fluent over the last and was almost joined by Mahon Falls (11/10 favourite) from the two-furlong pole.
Ridden and swatting aside the market leader inside the final furlong, there were eight lengths between them at the line.
Mullins was later represented by his partner Maxine O’Sullivan and she said: “She’s a lovely, staying mare and Donagh said she really enjoyed the ground.
“The lads (the Seven Heads Group Syndicate) had a winner yesterday at Kempton with Dream On Baby, so they’ve had a great two days.”
Another winner
O’Sullivan later completed a double of sorts, guiding the Noel Meade-trained Susie Lenglen (15/8 from 9/4) to a narrow win in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race.
Placed on her first two starts and recently purchased by Francis Carragher, the Berkshire four-year-old was given a patient ride, making progress early on the final circuit.
Very much in contention with half a mile to go and soon improving into a share of the lead, she had a good tussle with Lilannbee from over a furlong out, getting on top in the closing stages to prevail by half a length.
“She is a lovely mare and things didn’t go her way through the race, but she got me out of trouble in the end,” O’Sullivan, who has just two winners left on her 5lb claim, reported.
AFTER a career that spanned 25 seasons riding primarily on the point-to-point circuit, James Hannon broke new ground by registering his first track winner since taking out his training licence.
The Tallow native saw his Bigbraveboy lead home 13 rivals in the Ladies Cove Handicap Chase, with J.J. Slevin doing the steering on this 12/1 chance (from 33s early).
Always prominent in the colours of Ray Fitzgerald, the seven-year-old improved to lead before two out and, while soon pressed, he increased his advantage when pushed along approaching the last, coming home three lengths clear of Toor Moon (7/2 favourite).
“Point-to-points are my main game and I only got the track licence for him and one other horse,” Hannon revealed.
“I won a point-to-point with him and he is a staying chaser, he’ll just gallop and stay. He’s a brilliant leaper too.”
On his riding career, he added: “I rode for 25 seasons, but I broke my neck around two years ago now and it finished me.
“I’m at the game a long time and it was a natural progression to go into training.”
Well-known
Another well-known name amongst the point-to-point fraternity was on the mark in the Book A Table For New Years Mares Handicap Hurdle, with Colin Motherway’s Pebble Bleu claiming this two-mile five-furlong heat for owners Drury Tea and Coffee Limited.
Well-supported from 14s into 13/2, the Blue Bresil grey made virtually all under Michael Kenneally and, while strongly pressed and joined with less than two furlongs to go, she battled on doggedly in the closing stages, prevailing by a head.
Philip Rothwell’s Miss Lia was the one just denied, with the never-nearer Cousin Kate (11/4 favourite) another head away in third.
Denis Hogan was aboard the latter and he later picked up a three-day ban for using his whip with excessive frequency.
Make the running
“She loves being ridden like that - to bounce out and make the running. It’s her game and there is no point in interfering with it,” Kenneally explained.
Rothwell again had to settle for second in the Karl Casey Outstanding Contribution Award 2025 Handicap Hurdle, with his Pleasureofpressure finding the Lettermacaward Partnership-owned Alright Darling (9/2 favourite from 13/2 early) that bit too good.
From the family of Lord Windermere, the Donie Murphy-trained victor was given a patient ride by Philip Donovan and made gradual progress on the final circuit.
Travelling best on the outer with two furlongs to go, the progressive six-year-old soon improved into a narrow lead and extended her advantage when pushed along, coming home four and a half lengths to the good.
“Jumping is a strong point with her and I was worried when they took out the hurdles,” Murphy remarked.
“She’s improving and we might come back here with her on New Year’s Day.”