Paddy Mathers has partnered his first winner on David Hanley-trained Lorli during the second session of the two-day meeting at Ballinrobe. The Mukaddamah filly rallied well down the centre of the track in the straight to beat Croga Croi by 2 1/2L. 19-year-old Mathers from Downpatrick joined Hanley a year ago after a stint in the apprentice centre (RACE) in Kildare. The winner was later claimed for £7,000, and will possibly join Sean Treacy after a final run for Hanley in a 0-70 handicap at Galway next Monday.
Wexford handler Paul Nolan recorded a 90/1 mixed double when sending out Eagles Valley and Coastal Fan to land the spoils. Eagles Valley quickened clear early in the straight of the 9f rated race, but needed to be ridden right out by Tadhg O'Shea to deny Pas Possible by a neck.
Champion claimer John Cullen got Coastal Fan up in the final stride to pip Green Magical in Div 1 of the handicap hurdle. "He is a very big horse, and has taken alot of time to strengthen up," said Nolan of the former Liam Browne-trained gelding.
Paul Carberry gave the well-backed Great Days a typically cheeky ride to take div 2, cruising past Commanche Pride on the run-in to score by a length. Soaring Eagle justified favouritism in the opening 2yo auction maiden, leading at halfway for Wayne Lordan before holding on by a neck from Landofheartsdesire. "He ran freely today after two runs in 5f races, and would be better coming off a fast pace," said trainer Thomond O'Mara.
Pick Of The Stall benefited from a well judged ride by Ross Geraghty to make all in the handicap chase, keeping on well from the last to beat Magical Fun by a length. "The plan was to go off in front, and Ross gave her a perfect tactical ride," said trainer Eric McNamara afterwards.
Michael Grassick and Eddie Ahern, successful here yesterday evening with Kesh Kumay, again teamed up to take the 9f maiden with Alassio (4/11f). The Gulch filly struck the front 1/4m out, and was just pushed out to beat Langkawi Island by a cosy two lengths. "That's mission accomplished," quipped Grassick before adding: "She has plenty of ability, but the ground was terrible." Meanwhile, Hazel's Tisrara (Paul Moloney) led before the last to take the concluding maiden hurdle.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
