Brilliant run by versatile Dysart Diamond
THE Mullins-trained Dysart Diamond showed commendable versatility to come back to two miles and win a very competitive looking Holden Plant Rentals Novice Handicap Hurdle. This Eleanor Manning-owned and bred filly, who was last seen over a trip just short of three miles at Killarney in early October, came from way off the pace for David Mullins to lead at the last. She went on to defeat Big King by three and a half lengths and look like a mare that could challenge for a good handicap prize over the next few months.
“That was a nice surprise. I’d say the drier ground helped and the first time tongue tie was probably a factor too,” remarked Mullins.
Zanahiyr impressive once again
AT Fairyhouse last month Zanahiyr gave owners Noel and Valerie Moran their first graded winner and the evidence of his latest success in the Grade 2 Knight Frank Juvenile Hurdle suggests that he has all the credentials to give them a first Cheltenham success.
Now a rock solid favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, this son of Nathaniel produced another polished display which befitted his status as the 1/2 favourite. In a sedately run race he did everything right but particularly impressive was the change of gear he found after the last to pull clear under Jack Kennedy for a smooth and easy three-and-three-quarter lengths triumph over the French import Busselton.
“He’s exciting. The last day they went a good gallop and he won well and today there was no pace and he won well, he’s just taken very well to jumping and he is a very natural jumper too which you’d like,” stated Elliott. “I’ll talk to Noel and Valerie about plans and I suppose the decision we have to make is whether we come here for the Dublin Racing Festival or head straight to Cheltenham.”
Earlier, the Elliott-trained and Kennedy-ridden Wide Receiver produced by far his most complete performance since he went hurdling as he produced a very likeable effort to claim the Thorntons Recycling Maiden Hurdle.
The Gigginstown House Stud-owned son of Sholokhov was never out of the first two and took charge of this race some way from home.
A big jump at the last consolidated his lead over the chasing Decimation whom he went on to defeat by a length and a half.
“I’d say switching to better ground made a big difference to him and he jumped great today,” reported Elliott. “He wouldn’t mind going further and I think there is a good race to be won with him this season. I wouldn’t rule out the Lawlor’s Hurdle for him at Naas next weekend.”
“The better ground made a big difference to him and his jumping was very slick. It was a nice performance but I think he will be a better horse in a year’s time. I’d imagine he will head for a novice hurdle now,” reported Mouse Morris.
Dramatic Uisce
There was further joy for J.P. McManus when Uisce Beatha sprang a 40/1 shock in the Racing Post-sponsored handicap chase over two miles. In a dramatic finale, Jan Maat crashed out at the last when holding every chance and the joint-favourite Popong also exited there when looking set for a share of the minor money. All this appeared to leave the other joint-favourite, Emily Moon, and Grand Partner doing battle for victory.
However, Simon Torrens, who is enjoying a memorable campaign, conjured a whirlwind charge from his mount and Uisce Beatha pounced late to score by one and three-quarter lengths. The winner was making his debut for Padraig Roche and was also running for the first time in 12 months.
For the first time in 14 years, Noel Meade won the Holden Plant Rentals Flat Race as Harry Alonzo, who had been off the track since a promising debut second at Fairyhouse a year ago, struck under Pat Taaffe. This Meade-owned 7/1 chance was under pressure sooner than a number of his rivals but answered his rider’s every call to strike the front early in the straight before fending off the effort of Top Bandit by two lengths.
“He’s a very nice horse who will stay in bumpers for this season. I think he could make a very nice hurdler next season,” stated Meade.
Ten-day non-trier suspension for Maxwell
IT was a rather busy day in the Leopardstown stewards’ room and Dillon Maxwell was given a 10-day suspension after partnering Matthew Smith’s He’s Ok into seventh in the maiden hurdle won by Wide Receiver. The stewards deemed Maxwell rode in such in a way that he was not seen to have made a genuine attempt to obtain from his horse timely, real and substantial efforts to achieve his best possible placing.
In the same race the beaten favourite El Barra was found to have burst a blood vessel.
Whip bans
Jack Foley was hit with a seven-day whip ban after partnering Gee Rex into second in the opener and Jonathan Moore was given a four-day careless riding ban after partnering Darver Star into second in the day’s feature.