Sarah-Ann Madden
IT was a good day for the current champion point-to-point rider Derek O’Connor who recorded a double at Glenbane.
O’Connor was first on the score sheet when landing the Freedom Health LLC (Succeed) five-year-old geldings’ maiden aboard the Martin Brassil-trained D’Arcy’s Sound (2/1 favourite). The Brassil newcomer had to work hard in the closing stages to hold off long-time leader Telmadela by a neck.
The former Aintree Grand National winning handler reported afterwards: “He was a shade unlucky in running when getting into a bit of trouble. He looks a nice prospect who is for sale.”
The Graham McKeever-trained Chosen Dream (5/2) supplied O’Connor with his second winner of the afternoon when winning the Lyons Tyre Services and Bridgestone open lightweight contest. The son of Well Chosen responded well to the O’Connor drive when denying track recruit Western Man by a head.
It was a late birthday present for his owner Mrs Hagan who celebrated her 88th birthday last week. A delighted McKeever remarked afterwards: “The plan was to go to Wexford for the hunters chase but it was called off, which probably worked out for the best as he is better on better ground. He has been a consistent sort for me who has won on nearly all his season starts for me. I am delighted for his owner Mrs Hagan who was here to see him win again today.”
GEARS
Michael Goff and Shane Fitzgerald combined to land the Tattersalls Ireland Ascot and Cheltenham and Ballinroe Transport four-year-old maiden with newcomer Clondaw Cracker (5/2). The son of Court Cave appears to have plenty of gears and picked up well in the closing stages for a comfortable two and half length victory over Bel Sas from the Brian Hamilton stable.
An elated Goff remarked afterwards: “We really fancied him today, he is a decent sort. He was working really well last season and won a couple of schooling races but our horses weren’t right last season so we decided to wait. He will more than likely go to the sales now.”
Sean O’Brien and his family received the perfect tonic when his charge Roisin’s Delight (3/1) came home in front of the Tipperary Cheese Company five and six-year-old mares’ maiden. This well-bred type is a full sister to top class track performer Golantilla. She showed plenty of toe when quickening up well in the hands of Ciaran Fennessy to score by a convincing three lengths.
A relieved O’Brien said afterwards: “This was just what we needed as we buried my uncle during the week. We bred her ourselves, she is a full-sister to Golantilla and we still have the dam so it’s important that her offspring keep winning. She got a cut on her joint three days and we weren’t going to run her but she seemed fine so we decided to take our chances. She will go for a bumper now and I think she is capable of achieving blacktype.”
Gabrielleamee (5/1) added another win to her tally when landing the Vets and Trainers Winners of Two mares’ race for her trainer Jimmy Mangan. This daughter of Cloudings appeared to relish conditions and battled on well from the final fence in the hands of John Hurley.
John Mangan, brother of the winning handler, commented: “John gave her a great ride, we were a little worried the ground might be a bit quick for her as she is twice better on softer ground. She will probably go to Ballindenisk next week.”
John O’Neill was seen to good effect when winning aboard the Seamus Fahey-trained Caniwillyegive (4/1) in the concluding Dew Valley six-year-old and upwards novice riders maiden. O’Neill sent his mount to the front three fences from home and the pair kept on gamely to register a two-length victory over the 2/1 favourite Agent For Chaos.
Winning handler Fahey said: “John game him a great ride. He will go for a bumper next if he is not sold in the meantime.”
Mangan’s trophy
The winning connections of Gabrielleandme, Jimmy and William Mangan, also received the Michael Purcell Memorial Trophy. This was very apt as Michael Purcell used to have Buck House which the Mangan’s bred.