Irish Racing Review, 6th/7th March
BALLYTRIM SCOOPS LEINSTER NATIONAL!
The outsider of the two Willie Mullins` runners, Ballytrim (8/1), landed Sundays Lucan Racing Leinster National, the feature race on the Naas card. The winner, ridden by the ever dependable Paul Townend, just got the better of a pulsating duel with Bluesea Cracker to scoop the tasty €21,125 pot.
On what was a very quiet week on the racing front in Ireland as all thoughts turn to the big Cheltenham showdown the week after next there was nonetheless some interesting performances during the past week including -:
MAR 7TH
NAAS
- Whodoyouthink (5/4F) advertised, once again, Dunguibs claims in The Supreme Novices Hurdle when readily landing the opening Novice Hurdle on Sundays Naas card. The Oliver McKiernan trained winner was runner-up to Phillip Fentons superstar on his previous start and never gave jockey K.T Coleman any anxious moments. It was a nice return to action for Coleman who has returned to the saddle from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He is a brother of Aiden who is enjoying plenty of success with Venetia Williams across the sea.
- Zaarito (4/7F), from the Colm Murphy stable, had his sights lowered and put in a welcome confidence-boosting clear round for Davy Condon when easily landing the Novice Chase on the card. If he can keep his jumping technique in order there is undoubtedly a big prize to be won before the season is out by this talented performer.
- Yet another Willie Mullins double was completed when A Fine Young Man (3/1), ridden by the Trainers son Patrick, comfortably took the concluding Bumper. The well fancied Favourite, Oscars Well (11/10F), proved a major disappointment here.
MAR 6th
GOWRAN PARK
- In what was a somewhat run of the mill meeting at the picturesque Co. Kilkenny track on Saturday the Feature Race was The Shamrock Handicap Chase (Grade B) which was worth €26 K to the winner. It went the way of the Tom Foley (of Danoli fame) trained and TG Ryan ridden Dancing Hero (4/1) who ran out a resolute 2 and a half length winner from the 5/2 Fav Dooneys Gate.
- Ballinstraw (11/2) landed the prestigious Tetratema Perpetual Cup Hunters Chase for jockey Mr.AJ Doyle and trainer Denis Hickey.
- There was an ultra impressive debut by the well-touted Michael `O Leary- owned First Lieutenant (4/5F) in the Bumper on the card. It certainly looks as though the Ryanair boss has another flyer on his hands as his charge, trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Robbie McNamara, justified all the pre-race hype when romping to a facile 7 Length victory.
MAR 3rd
DOWNPATRICK
- The feature race at Downpatrick mid-week was the Toals Bookmakers Ulster Grand National and if ever a race epitomised the highs and lows of National Hunt Racing then this was it unfortunately! Chief Oscar (16/1) trained locally by B.R Hamilton and ridden by Andrew Lynch was a brave and valiant winner when seeing off all challengers in game fashion. However, there was to be a tragic sequel as to everyone’s dismay the gutsy 9 year old collapsed and died while cantering back to the Winners Enclosure. It was a bitter sweet occasion for all connections and in particular for owner Ronald Donaldson. It was also a bittersweet occasion for horse-racing.ie trends followers, as we didn’t know what to feel after cashing in our shortlisted winning selection.
- There was a double for Noel Meade in the first and last races on the card with victories for Gloonan Hill (8/1) and in-form jockey TC Carroll in the opening Maiden Hurdle and Jim Bowie (4/9F) in the Bumper for Nina Carberry on her return from injury.
Trainers in form;
W.Mullins, C. Murphy, N.Meade, G. Elliott.
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Happy Punting
JOE Q
