THE Kilkenny Foxhounds returned to a freshly prepared Tullaherin on Sunday, where a change of direction had been introduced since last year’s inaugural fixture.
Proceedings got off to a flying start in the opening division of the four-year-old mares’ maiden as Alabama Way (5/1 – 6/1) made a winning debut for handler Conor Ryan and the Ballagh Warpiper Syndicate.
Settled in mid-division early, rider Jack O’Grady produced his mount approaching the final fence to overhaul long-time leader Mossy Fen River, with the €8,000 Goffs Arkle Sale graduate staying on best to score by two lengths.
“It’s unbelievable,” said a delighted Ryan. “That’s my first four-year-old winner. I liked her from the minute she came home, and she was named after a good friend of the syndicate, Eamon Colville, so this really means a lot to us.”
Big future
The second division of the four-year-old mares’ maiden produced another debutante winner, as Spinning A Dream (4/1 – 9/2) struck for handler Sean Doyle.
She made a taking impression when delivered to challenge in the straight before drawing clear after the last to score by nine lengths under Jamie Scallan for owners Donal McDonald and Niall Radford.
“I think this could be a filly with a big future,” said Doyle. “Her owner, Niall Radford, bred her. Her dam is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Sam Spinner, and Niall is rushing home now as she is due to foal again any minute.”
Another Co Wexford-trained mare to strike on the card was Tamara Jane (3/1 – 5/2 favourite), who landed the five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden in good style, providing handler Jonathan Fogarty with a 50th training success and rider Alex O’Keeffe with a second career win in the saddle.
Owned by the WSQ Syndicate, the six-year-old daughter of Jet Away had been purchased as a foal by connections and, following a mid-season break, showed marked improvement on better ground to coast home to a 13-length success.
THE opening division of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden went to newcomer Garden Master (5/1 - 7/1), a €25,000 Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale graduate, who made a winning debut for handler Eamonn Doyle and owners Mossy Fen Stables Partnership.
Ridden by Bertie Finn, the son of Kew Gardens, was settled in mid-division before making smooth headway, jumping into the lead at the third-last fence and staying on strongly to score by four lengths from Impact In Line.
“He came from Matt O’Connor,” Doyle said afterwards. “He’s a half-brother to Mighty Bandit, (fourth in a Grade 1 novice chase at Aintree), and he’ll be offered for sale now.”
Mikel Ange Spigao (5/2 - 7/2), a £35,000 Goffs UK Spring Store Sale purchase from Clifton Farm, made a winning debut in the second division of the four-year-old geldings’ maiden for Downpatrick handler Paddy Turley.
Given a patient ride by Declan Lavery, the son of Ivanhowe, was delivered before the penultimate fence and driven out to score by three-quarters of a length from Verney Fox in the colours of his handler’s wife, Mary.
Great feel
“He gave me a great feel the whole way around,” said Lavery. “I dropped him in to educate him, but once asked, he responded instantly and saw it out well. I’d imagine he’ll be offered at the forthcoming Goffs Punchestown Festival Sale.”
The concluding six-year-old and upwards geldings’ maiden went to the Sam Curling-trained Vicomte Le Brave (3/1 - 7/2) under David Doyle, who made much of the running before seeing off the late challenge of Tolka Row for a well-earned success after five previous runner-up finishes.
Owned by Wilson Dennison, the seven-year-old son of Brave Mansonnien used his experience to good effect, outjumping his rivals throughout before shedding his maiden tag with a six-length victory.
“He deserved his day, and he’ll progress through the winners’ ranks now,” said Curling’s head lad Liam Kelly. “The horses are in great order, and that result makes it an across-the-card treble for Sam today.”
JACK Hendrick was kept busy throughout the afternoon, riding in all eight races and notably finishing in the money in each of them.
The opening leg of the Mayglass riders’ double came in the five-year-old geldings’ maiden when stepping in late to partner the Pat Doyle-trained The Laundry Jet (3/1 – 5/2 favourite).
Having led or disputed the running for much of the contest, the winner powered clear from the penultimate fence to record a six-length victory, with Hendrick deputising for the injured rider Finny Maguire.
The imposing son of Poet’s Word is owned by leading breeze-up consignor Michael Fitzpatrick of Kilminfoyle House Stud in partnership with Peter Vaughan.
“He’s a lovely, big horse,” remarked the Suirview handler. “We made a mistake running him back in December as he was too weak, but he’s a horse that wants soft ground.
“I think he can have a big future. I’d imagine he’ll now be offered for sale.”
Hendrick completed his brace 30 minutes later aboard Nelsons Port (5/1), who followed up her recent Loughanmore maiden success in the mares’ winner-of-one.
Trained by Amy Parsons, the seven-year-old daughter of Mount Nelson was settled behind early leader and runner-up Time In A Bottle before mounting her challenge from the third last fence and going on to score by two lengths in the colours of owner Aisling Molloy.
John Molloy was quick to praise the winning handler, saying: “Amy trains in Co Meath with Anthony Fox. They’ve broken a few horses for us, and this is the second we’ve had in training with them.
“We were keen to have another go after she won the last day, and after seeing that performance today, I think we’ll keep all options open for her.”
Horse to follow
Impact In Line (C. Doyle) is a white-faced son of Soldier Of Fortune who is out of a half-sister to 11-time Grade 1 winner Faugheen. Although unable to match the smart winner, he lost little in defeat, staying on strongly under pressure in the final half mile and looks set to develop into a promising track recruit for new connections.