MAUREEN Danagher’s Windix was the subject of a major off-course gamble ahead of the second-leg of the Limerick Festival at Greenmount Park, Patrickswell.

Taken as high as 25/1 and 20’s in the offices, such fancy prices were not on offer and he was returned at 5/1 as snug winner of the third division of the Christmas Maiden Racing Hurdle. David Flannery sent him on approaching the home turn and Windix stretched away to score by eight lengths, Banna Beach his closest rival.

 “He was watching everything the last day except himself, he has taken time to come to himself.  Novice hurdling will be next,” said Danagher.  The improved display, however, of Windix, has been referred to the Appeals and Referrals Committee – it follows-on from discussions between the stewards and trainer/jockey.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Danagher was in the winners’ enclosure at Navan courtesy of the ultra-consistent Rathmore Castle (1/4f), which easily landed the opening EBF Maiden Hurdle.

At Limerick again, Andrew McNamara romped to victory aboard Mareillais (1/1f) in the second section of the Christmas Maiden Hurdle.  Edward O’Grady’s mount was easily above the modest opposition on offer and the grey came home a whopping 18 lengths to the good – McNamara didn’t even have to stretch too much on the homeward journey to enjoy success.

 “I’m delighted,” commented O’Grady.  “He seems to like good ground and will be put away now.  It was a weak race and, as he seems to stay well, he (McNamara) did the right thing.”

LOCAL punters enjoyed a flying start to the mini-festival at Limerick when Eric McNamara recorded an opening day two-timer.

McNamara’s double was initiated when Katie Walsh steered home Pine Valley (8/1) in the ladies race, Equity In Property V Ireland Handicap Hurdle.   She brought her mount with a steady challenge to lead going into the final flight and beat Novarra (11/2) by a length.

Not long after, the Rathkeale handler was back on the winners’ podium after Makemtakeit (9/2) came good at last, in the Yellow Tail Win Handicap Hurdle.  In the safe hands of Mick Darcy, the winner came from behind to sweep by his rivals nearing the last and eventually held Old Peak Road (8/1) for a length success. 

EARLIER on the card, the Charles Byrnes Yard landed another little gamble with De La Rue in the Friends’ Of Garryowen Handicap Hurdle
Backed from 8/1 to 5/1 favourite, he forged ahead for Shay Barry at the penultimate obstacle to beat Silver Jarro (16/1) cosily.  “Two miles was too short for him the last day (Punchestown), he wants further than that,” Byrnes reported.

The colours of JP McManus were carried to success in the featured Resource Garryowen Plate Handicap Chase – On You Go is the only horse trained for its owner by Eugene O’Sullivan and really justified favouritism (3/1).

On You Go was due to run at Listowel’s Harvest Festival Meeting in September, but the ground was too good at the time – it was his first run since unsuccessful at Kilbeggan in the early part of the Summer.

SOME CRAIC provided teenager John Barry with his first winner in the 7YO & Upwards Gelding’s Maiden at the second session of the Kanturk-Duhallow point-to-point meeting at Dromahane.

Barry (18) joined the Michael Hourigan Yard at Lisaleen Stables following the completion of his Leaving Certificate Exams in June.

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