CHAMPION jockey Ruby Walsh came out on top in the Cashel Rated Novice Hurdle at Thursday’s Thurles fixture when his mount Livelovelaugh, in front from three out, was left clear at the next by the exit of Carrig Cathal to win, eased down, by a 21-length margin from his stable-mate Aussie Reigns.
The 5/2 favourite, who appreciated the drop in grade after competing at Grade 2 and 3 level, is trained by Willie Mullins for Susannah Ricci.
The master of Closutton observed: “He was lucky to win by so far, but he jumps and he stays and goes on that ground. I might let him go for the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at the next meeting here in two weeks time, but I’ll keep him at home for the novices in Ireland.”
Carrig Cathal’s rider Jack Kennedy enjoyed better luck aboard Gigginstown’s 11/10 favourite Champagne Classic in the Holycross Maiden Hurdle. On the heels of the leading group throughout, Gordon Elliott’s charge went to the front between the last two and was pushed out to account for the long-time leader Freeway Space by eight and a half lengths.
“He is what he is and we’ll find a winners of one for him,” said the victorious trainer of his dual winner. “Whatever he does now is a bonus, because he’ll jump a fence next year. He’s a grand horse, but we won’t get too excited.”
Elliott was fancied to double up via his odds-on market leader Back Bar in the Munster Flat Race, but the hot-pot met his match in Timmy Hyde’s 7/1 chance Planet Nine who ground it out with his rival inside the final furlong, to gain the upper hand and give rider Stephen Connor his first success on the track by two and a quarter lengths.
The pilot also has a point-to-point win under his belt and Hyde, who trains the Flemensfirth gelding for his wife Trish, commented: “Stephen rides out for us every day and he rides very well. He didn’t panic and hopefully this will help him along.”
The Cashel handler added of Planet Nine: “He’s beautifully-bred, a brother to four winners including Noble Endeavour and just took time to come to hand.”
The J.P. McManus-owned Don’t Touch It turned in a thoroughly professional performance to open his account over fences under Mark Walsh in the Templemore Beginners Chase.
Jessica Harrington has care of the 2/7 favourite, who tracked the leaders in fourth and took command at the penultimate obstacle before going on to land the spoils with consummate ease by three lengths from Mullins’ Dicosimo.
The trainer’s daughter Kate remarked: “It’s great to get that out of the way and he was entitled to do it. He did everything he was asked to do and mum will have a chat with Frank (Berry) about where he goes next. He jumps fences a lot better than he did his hurdles.”
The Clipper Logistics Group Ltd’s Capital Force, from the Henry de Bromhead stable, lasted it out under Davy Russell for a head success over Sharps Choice in the two mile Thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle, despite beginning to tie up on the run-in when challenged by the runner-up.
The 4/9 favourite’s trainer admitted to being concerned, commenting: “He was a little bit disappointing the last day and started to tie up again today, but I think better ground will suit him much better and it’s brilliant that he’s won.
“I was definitely worried about the ground (officially soft) today, but we’ll probably get him checked out properly. The last day it was over two miles, two furlongs and he looked so good up to two miles, whereas today it’s pretty testing. The main thing now is to wait for better ground for him.”
DINNIE’S WIN
Dinnie’s Vinnie put the disappointment of his most recent outing at Fairyhouse behind him to take the Rock Of Cashel 0-102 Handicap Chase for the father and son team of Philip and Luke Dempsey.
Owned by the TFC Syndicate from Newtown, Co. Kildare the 14/1 shot led or disputed throughout and, despite a less than clever jump at the last, had Flynsini’s measure by three lengths, with the favourite Paper Lantern a further 16 lengths adrift in third.
The winning trainer, who was nursing a broken right wrist, explained: “I got a fall off him. He’s a funny old devil and I left everything off him today, the blinkers and tongue tie. I don’t know if it was his last chance or not, but the lads were keen to have another shot.” His explanation to that effect was noted by the stewards.
The locals were cheering on Perfect Man after his shock 22/1 win for Borrisoleigh-based trainer Pat Hurley in the Killinan 80-95 Handicap Hurdle.
The five-year-old certainly lived up to his name as far as amateur Damien Skehan was concerned because the long shot was crediting him with his first track success since suffering a bad leg break at Castletown-Geoghegan point-to-point last autumn.
The partnership came home three and a quarter lengths to the good over the front-running Leila’s Island, with the favourite Itsallhappening back in fourth place. The winning handler stated: “We were disappointed with him at Naas, but Stephen (Gray) said he needed a trip.
“I didn’t think he’d stay the two miles, six furlongs in that ground though, as he’s only a handy horse.
“I only train five miles away and we’ll aim for something similar next.”
ACTING STEWARDS
N.P. Lambert, A.J. Molloy, S. McDonogh, P.D. Matthews.
HORSE TO FOLLOW
CARRIG CATHAL (G. Elliott): He was being shaken up, but not done with in second when making a bad mistake and paying the price at the penultimate flight of the novice hurdle. May pay to follow in handicap company.