The winner weaved her way through the field and came home well for trainer Kevin Prendergast to beat hear stable companion Heart of Fire (11/2) with What’s Up Pussycat (9/2f) back in third.

Andrew McNamara underlined his current top form once more at Ballinrobe where he posted a remarkable 84/1 treble courtesy of Rudi’s Elegance, Oxalido and Dromaneen Castle.

Oxalido (7/4) posted his third win at the Mayo track when easily winning the EPS Pumps Handicap Hurdle, the middle leg of McNamara’s three-timer. McNamara had opened his account on the Dusty Sheehy-trained 12/1 shot Rudi’s Elegance, which proved a fortunate winner of the Gypsum Industries Handicap Hurdle, squeezing home ahead of Diyla after the front-running joint favourites Fit The Cove and Randall’s Diana both crashed-out at the penultimate obstacle.

McManara’s profitable visit to the west was completed on board 11/8 favourite Dromaneen Castle, trained by his father and namesake, in the Capco Roofing Maiden Hurdle.  “Another half mile wouldn’t bother her,” commented the trainer after the 18 length victory.  “We’ll keep her on the go.  In the longer term, she’ll be a good prospect for the paddocks.”

Eric McNamara’s market-leader Larkwing (6/4f) proved a major disappointment in the featured €27,000 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Hurdle at Cork.

Larkwing, the property of JP McManus in an outing sponsored by his younger brother, was in trouble turning for home, trailing in a well beaten six lengths behind Heavenly Blues (3/1) for Ted and Ruby Walsh.  McNamara’s charge, however, was subsequently found to be lame  “He stays well and was entitled to win on ratings, the handicapper was spot on,” said Ted Walsh of his winner.  “I will run him back on the flat now and go for the Cesarewitch, or something like that.”

McNamara’s other runner in the race, Kerry National Winner Ponmeoath (25/1) actually finished ahead of his more fancied stable companion in a respectable fifth position.

In this its scheduled final year, only one day of action was managed at Kilbeggan Park in Tralee, and that five days later than scheduled.

Over the years, the venue has proved a happy hunting ground for Eric McNamara and this farewell ‘meeting’ proved no different as the Rathkeale handler saddled Perfect Reward (10/1) – with Paddy Flood in the saddle – in the Fels Point 4YO Handicap Hurdle, and a similar race at next month’s Listowel Harvest Festival Meeting now beckons.

A large crowd witnessed Francis Connors move to top of the Show Jumping Ireland National Grand Prix League with victory on board Colladaragh Murphy in the main event at Limerick Show.

The Waterford rider produced the only double-clear of the competition.  “That was a tough course and it was very sticky underfoot,” reported Connors.  “But I’m delighted for the owner John Morrissey, who came down from Galway today for the show.”  Connors’ win puts him on 59 points in the league, three more than fellow countyman Tholm Keane, who finished in fifth place.

Next best was Paddy O’Donnell, who was actually quicker around than Connors, but had to settle for the runners-up spot with four faults on Harristown Princess. Connors also filled third position with Merlin’s Magic.

The league concludes at the Boswell Equestrian Centre in the middle of next month.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment