POINT-to-point handler and pre-trainer Ian McCarthy recorded his second racecourse success as a trainer on Thursday, where his Fountain House (3/1) warmed up for the Punchestown festival by landing Thurles’ Racing Again March 15th Maiden Hunters Chase.

Held up in mid-field by jockey Eoin Mahon, the five-time point-to-point winner improved to lead at the third-last and stayed well to beat Asphalt Cowboy by four lengths.

Regarding his wife Nicki’s winner, McCarthy reported “my first winner (in 2021) was during covid when they had bumpers for hunter chase-licensees and, while I’m mainly a pre-trainer, it is nice to mix it around with having a right fun horse like this.

“He is a gorgeous-looking horse and, since I’ve got him, we’ve ticked away with him and he has been lucky for us. We’ll look forward to Punchestown now, as he qualifies for the farmers’ race (Bishopscourt Cup) - with Kildare being my local hunt, I wouldn’t mind having a crack at it.”

Remembered

Late Michael O’Sullivan was foremost in everyone’s thoughts as the racecourse resumed racing and was remembered by Jonathan Sweeney following the trainer’s success with Rushmount (5/6 favourite) in the BoyleSports Money Back Handicap Hurdle.

Rushmount travelled well under Brian Hayes through the race and scored comfortably by three lengths, from Machismo.

Sweeney said “this horse is actually on the front page of today’s racecard with Michael O’Sullivan riding. I have another (racecard) at home with him again on the front page, so I’ll hold on to them, as Michael was a good friend and a super talent. He was probably on the horse’s back today.”

He added: “Brian (Hayes) is a gentleman, comes in as often as he can, is a worker and a top-class rider, so I’m delighted for him. He said they hacked around today and didn’t want it to turn into a sprint. The horse had a pile of weight to carry, so still had to do it.

“I don’t know what there is for him now until Punchestown, so Aintree is an option, as the boys (Limerick-based Apex Flight Syndicate) would have no bother travelling!”

RACING began with the Leugh Beginners Chase, which was won by the Mags Mullins-trained Spinning Web (11/2), under jockey Donagh Meyler.

Trainer Mullins had also sent out sixth-placed Colonel Nelson and, following the race, trainer Mullins reported: “I’m delighted for Jerry Ahern, who is involved in the syndicate (Barrow Vale Syndicate), is one of our local vets and is a gentleman.

“Spinning Web is a consistent old horse and better ground helps, even though they had it watered well. Danny (Mullins, son) had the choice and, while Colonel Nelson ran well, he just faded and maybe wants further.”

Both maiden hurdles were won by gambled winners, beginning with Nowwhatdoyouthink’s (14/1 – 8s) success in the ThurlesRaces.ie Maiden Hurdle for trainer Ray Hackett and jockey Liam Quinlan.

Former point-to-point and bumper winner Nowwhatdoyouthink secured a better leap at the final flight than runner-up Joueuse Royale, which helped him to record a half-length win.

Hackett reported “he was really disappointing up until today and the last day he travelled like the winner until the third-last, but found nothing.

Wind fixed

“He never made a noise, but we got his wind tidied up and it seems to have done an awfully good job on him. His three runs up until today were putrid, but his point-to-point form for Sam Curling was brilliant. He had form tying in with good horses and finished behind Romeo Coolio on his debut.

“Coming back in trip and, with the ground being so well-watered, was a big help.

“Chasing is the way to go with him and he might now get a little break before coming back over fences during the summer, as he handles good ground.”

An hour later, the Rodger Sweeney-trained Are You Busy (13/2 – 9/2) landed the Holycross Maiden Hurdle for owner/breeder Karen Sheehan and jockey Aidan Kelly.

Afterwards, Sweeney reported “that was needed! She was nearly entitled to do that on her form and she is a grand little mare and is a good little jumper.

“I’m quiet enough with just six or seven horses to run and she will tip away on good ground during the summer.”

THE concluding Ballagh Bumper was won impressively by the Joseph O’Brien-trained newcomer Le Labo (4/1), which scored for owner Claire Gleeson and jockey son John Gleeson. Out of a half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Binocular, Le Labo quickened nicely in the closing stages to beat Riskaway by one and a half lengths.

Jockey Gleeson stated “it was a lovely performance and he is a gorgeous-looking son of Mount Nelson. He is a fine, big horse, who we bred ourselves and we gave him plenty of time. I’ve been looking at him since he was a foal, so it’s great he has paid me back! Joseph has done a great job with him and the patience has paid off. If he can build on that, he is one to look forward to.”

Biggest price winner of the day was 40/1 outsider Tasmanian Girl in the Killinan Handicap Hurdle, with owner/trainer Aengus King expressing his own surprise at the mare’s success.

King later commented “we bought her privately for only a couple of grand to get Anthony’s (O’Gorman, friend) daughter Jessica going again, so we weren’t thinking we’d win a load of races with her, although we can’t believe this!

“It was a complete surprise and, while we knew she was in good shape, she is only average. She finished second here in November, lively ground is key to her and Cian (Quirke, jockey) gave her a serious ride.”