J.P.McManus arrived by helicopter to watch his charge Youlneverwalkalone (4/5-4/6-8/11f) score with the minimum of fuss under Conor O'Dwyer in the maiden Hurdle at Nass today.
O'Dwyer hardly moved a muscle aboard Christy Roche's gelding on the uphill climb to the winning post to record a facile 1L victory over Chapparral Lady. That was a nice introduction and we'll put him in a bit deeper at Leopardstown over Christmas and see what he can do, said the former champion rider.
Roche was back in the winners enclosure after the Ardmore Hurdle
when Afardad (4/5-4/7f), another member of the powerful McManus string, also justified strong support under Charlie Swan.
All the results:
12.45 I.N.H. Stallion Owners E.B.F. Maiden Hurdle – No. 6 YOULNEVERWALKALONE - C O'Dwyer (8/11 fav).
1.15 E.B.F. Beginners Chase – No.1 ALEXANDER BANQUET - BJ Geraghty (evens fav).
1.45 Ardmore Blood Booster (4 Y O) Hurdle – No.1 AFARAD - CF Swan (4/7 fav).
2.15 Poplar Square Chase – No.5 OLLIMAR - P Moloney (9/2).
2.45 Newbridge Ext. Handicap Hurdle (Rated 0-132) – No. 11 LISMEENAN - P Carberry (13/2).
3.15 Paddy Power Ext. Handicap Chase (Rated 0-116) – No.13 NOELS DANCER - PA Carberry (10/1).
3.45 Go Racing In Kildare (Pro-Am) (5 Y O) I.N.H. Flat Race – No. 4 JUST TWO - AK Wyse (7/2 fav).
The feature at Ascot today was The First National Gold Cup Chase. Norman Williamson was on board the Eddie O'Grady trained, Nicholls Cross, but as they approached the last, they all had to catch Nordance Prince who ran home an easy winner.
