THERE was a highly controversial conclusion to the opening Wexford Claiming Hurdle, as Redwood Queen and Philip Byrnes parted company at the last with the race at their mercy.
Drifting markedly from 6/4 early, to a starting price of 13/2, the Charles Byrnes-trained eight-year-old jumped the last flawlessly, with her rider somehow going out the side door.
This left Beacon Edge (1/3 favourite), who appeared held in second, coast to a 22-length win, with Josh Halford aboard the 142-rated Gordon Elliott-trained bay.
“I thought the horse in front probably had it won and, if he’s not claimed, he’s in the sales tomorrow (sold for €8,000 at Tattersalls),” Elliott said of the Cheeky Pups Syndicate-owned 11-year-old.
Redwood Queen (€6,000) and Single Edition (€4,000) were both later claimed by Cian Collins and Jimmy Barcoe respectively.
While the stewards reviewed the last flight incident and took no further action, an IHRB spokesman said on Thursday: “We note the position of the raceday stewards following their review of the incident. We can now confirm the matter is down for review by an IHRB senior racing official.”
Positive outcome
There was a more positive outcome for another father and son team in the Discover Wexford Handicap Hurdle.
Trained by Conor O’Dwyer and ridden by his son Charlie, the Brinkleys Syndicate-owned Arnacoeur (7/1) made the breakthrough in this three-mile contest, a race depleted by five late withdrawals due to the going.
Detached in rear early, the French-bred seven-year-old gradually warmed to his task and, after jumping two out in a share of the lead, he gained an outright advantage before the last, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a half.
“On his Naas run he was entitled to do that. He is a funny horse and has to be ridden that way,” the winning handler explained.
Easy for Avalo
The Treo Eile Maiden Hurdle was also marred by late withdrawals, with the ground changed from good, good to yielding in places, to good after the second.
Available at 33/1 in early shows for this two-and-a-half-mile contest, before some significant defections, the Peter Fahey-trained Avalo ultimately eased to a six-length win at the odds of 7/2.
Owned by Fahey’s wife Ber and Seamus Perry, the Sageburg six-year-old raced towards rear under Jake Coen, moving into contention with a good jump four out.
Getting to the front approaching the straight, the 105-rated bay was ridden and extended his advantage on the run-in, with outsider Kalaroun (33/1) filling the runner-up spot. “He was working really well and it’s great for Seamus, who is a big part of the team at home,” Fahey revealed.
A DUAL listed winner on the level, Sunchart outclassed his nine rivals in the feature Wexford Racecourse Rated Hurdle.
A runner-up in Grade 3 company when last seen over flights, the Andy Slattery-trained eight-year-old came in for good market support and was returned the 7/4 favourite (10/3 early) under Adam Ryan.
Improving to the front on the approach to the straight, the Pat Garvey-owned bay was briefly tackled from two out, but soon extended his advantage and was four and a quarter lengths clear at the line.
“He seems to be improving over hurdles, but he won’t run over them much,” Willie Slattery, brother of the winning handler, remarked. “He probably wouldn’t get into the Galway Hurdle, but I’d love to go there.”
Strong winner
While Thedeviluno was the 10/11 favourite for the concluding Racing Again July 4th INH Flat Race, he ultimately had to settle for the runner-up berth. The second choice of punters at 5/2, Strong Link came out on top under a patient John Gleeson ride.
Making progress approaching the straight, the Diamond Boy five-year-old was pushed along to challenge the market leader with over a furlong to go and soon led, keeping on well to score by two and a quarter lengths in the colours of Tinnahinch Construction Limited.
“It’s a great local winner because I bought him off Jamie Codd, my brother-in-law and Billy, Jamie’s father, bred him,” trainer O’Sullivan reported.
“He is a nice moving horse and he’ll stay going once the ground is safe.”
JUST four lined-up for the Support The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Hurdle, with Lieutenant Mayne ultimately proving much the best.
Backed into 7/4 favouritism (touched 3s early), the John McConnell-trained six-year-old raced in second under Tiernan Power Roche and jumped to the front four out, overtaking the front-running Ash Tree Meadow, who quickly faded.
Travelling best and extending his advantage approaching the straight, the market leader eased to an 11-length win in the colours of the McNeill and Stone families.
“He is a very, very nice horse and we always thought he was. I was confident the three miles today would be up his street. He is really exciting,” McConnell reflected.
In foal
There was further joy for favourite-backers in the first division of the Fleadh Cheoil Wexford August 3rd – 10th Handicap Hurdle, with Onebrightbluerose (9/4) coming out on top.
Owned, trained and bred by Pat Cronin, the Excelebration six-year-old raced mainly in fourth under Darragh O’Keeffe and went second before three out.
Getting to the front entering the straight, the 81-rated bay was ridden before the last and soon skipped clear, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by three and three quarters of a length.
“She’s in foal to Mahler. I put everything on her, cheekpieces, blinkers and then I put the stallion on her as well!” Cronin quipped.
Hammer is up
Owned and trained by Paul Nolan, the second divide of this 0-100 rated contest went the way of 4/1 chance Hatfield Hammer.
Placed on his last three starts and not seen since December, the six-year-old was given a patient ride by Jordan Gainford and, while not fluent three out, he soon made progress.
Jumping the penultimate flight in a share of the lead, he gained a narrow advantage approaching the last and asserted when ridden on the run-in, coming home three and three quarters of a length clear.
“I thought he wanted further, but Jordan gave him a lovely ride, he dropped him out and took his time,” Nolan divulged.