Berry records double at Ballinrobe

A bumper crowd turned out for the first meeting of the year at Ballinrobe this afternoon where Fran Berry recorded a quickfire 62/1 double on Caesar's Star and Lost In The Rain. Experience proved vital in the two-year-old maiden where Caesar's Star and Jemmy John, both of whom had two previous runs, dominated the six furlong event. Berry had Caesar's Star quickly away from her unfavourable wide draw, and Philip Rothwell's charge just held on by a short head.

Berry followed up half-an-hour later on Lost In The Rain in the nine furlong maiden, leading at the final turn to beat Peach Sorbet by three-and-a-half lengths. Winning trainer Noel Meade revealed afterwards: "I thought quite a bit of him earlier this year, and he has done it nicely there. He may be the type to jump hurdles in time."

Meade later completed his own double when Kergaul, under Paul Carberry, just got the better of a protracted duel with Goodnight Mike in the handicap chase. Carberry's younger brother Philip was also on the scoresheet when giving Milton Star a patient ride to defy top-weight in the nine furlong handicap. "Philip gave him a super ride. He's a tough horse, and well able to carry the weight," said trainer James Burns, who was opening his account for the season. Kiddo's Dream never looked like justifying the market confidence, and trailed in last.

Jaguar Claw, heavily backed from 5/2 to 6/4, received a huge roar from the packed stand when leading four out under Ruby Walsh to beat Knockawad by seven lengths. Favourite backers were also in good voice after Division One of the novice hurdle as Brief Dance cruised to the front before the last for John Cullen to beat Cloone River by three lengths.

Gaudi was also a popular order in Division Two, always prominent for Willie Slattery to beat Rooftop Protest by a cosy four-and-a-half lengths. Trainer Thomond O'Mara admitted: "I was a bit afraid of the ground drying out too much. He wants further, and hopefully can follow up in another novice."

Filed by Shane Murray