FAG AN BEALACH was an aptly named winner of the Randox Ulster National Handicap Chase at Downpatrick for Arthur Moore and Darragh O’Keeffe.
Her name is Irish for ‘clear the way’ and that’s just what the mare did once O’Keeffe (celebrating his 21st birthday) moved her to the front after the penultimate fence in this extended three-and-a-half-mile test. She stormed nine lengths clear on the run-in to reward her backers at 17/2.
In-form Moore said: “I’m delighted for the Beresfords and Athene Keatinge as they have been very loyal supporters all along.
“This was her first time over further than two and a half. Her dam is a half-sister to Niche Market, an Irish National winner, so there was no reason why she wouldn’t stay. She got in by the skin of her teeth and the ground was perfect for her.
“This is a great day. I rode the winner in my time and previously trained the winner. I rode the winner for Willie Rooney the grandfather of my son-in-law.”
The trainer also paid tribute to his longest owner: “Tim Murray died a week ago and he was my first owner and had him every year since then until now. I was very sad but I’m sure he was helping us from above. He was a great friend.”
Gainford on fire
Jordan Gainford put the seal on a terrific week that included a first Cheltenham Festival winner on The Shunter by booting home a double.
Denise Foster’s Stranger Danger overcame traffic problems to finish strongly for Gainford in the Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.
The 13/8 favourite drew three and three-quarter lengths clear at the line for James Power.
Stable representative Ian Amond said of James Power’s six-year-old gelding: “He had a bit of experience with the two runs over hurdles and the better ground suited him well. He stays at it well.
“Looking at him there, further is probably going to suit him. He was really only getting going halfway up the hill. He’ll go for that final in Punchestown.”
Springfield Lodge and Jordan Gainford were left in front four out in the WKD Handicap Chase and made the best way home.
The 17/2 shot was pressed in the closing stages by Mullaghmurphy Blue but stuck to her task to win by half a length for the Falcon Four Syndicate.
The 7lb-claimer Gainford said: “Warmed into it great and in fairness to her she battled hard from the back of the last. I was very happy the whole way and her jumping was good. She was very, very tough.
“Eoghan (O’Grady) filled me with confidence and said the ground should suit. She had a very good run in Clonmel beforehand.”
PURE Genius (11/4 favourite) was always to the fore in the Randox Rated Hurdle and Mark Walsh didn’t have to get serious with him as he came in by one and three-quarter lengths.
Ted Walsh trains the six-year-old gelding for J.P. McManus and said: “He won over three miles at Punchestown, he stays and he jumps. He’ll make a nice chaser next year – he’s a big, scopey horse.
“Maybe Punchestown (next); Fairyhouse is coming up in two weeks time and might be a bit quick for him.”
Flying Manekineko
Veteran My Manekineko brought up his seventh career success in the WKD Handicap Hurdle.
The 12-year-old came with his challenge at the last and stayed on well up the hill to score by two lengths at 16/1 for owner/trainer James Nash.
Some servant
Jockey Mike O’Connor said: “He is (some servant). He still loves his job and that’s a great sign in a horse. There seems to be plenty more races left in him going off that run.
“I sat on him the other day and he was flying, so I thought he would take the beating today. The ground was in his favour. James was confident.”
LOCAL trainer Jerry Cosgrave enjoyed a winner with Big Leg Up in the Boardsmill Sires Maiden Hunters Chase. Simon Cavanagh drove him in by 10 lengths for owner Ian Moore.
The 16/1 shot didn’t surprise Cosgrave who said: “He wouldn’t be the fastest in the world but stays and gallops. He has scope to burn and he is a serious horse to jump altogether.
“I did expect a good run today. We had hobdayed him and he won his point-to-point and then it started to catch him again and we did a tie-back on him this time and it was a success. He has been working brilliantly and I expected him to be in the first three.”
John McConnell introduced a promising newcomer, Drumbear, to take the Molson Coors (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race for Colm Herron.
The five-year-old gelding is related to several multiple winners and kept up the gallop off the front to score by three lengths under Ben Harvey. He was backed from 9/1 to 13/2.
“We thought he was a nice horse. He’s very big and a baby and he is just going to get better,” McConnell said.
“He is flat-bred and probably not slow, so he is one to look forward to.
“He won’t be overraced – if he goes for a winners’ bumper I’d say that will be it for the year.”