David Casey had a day of mixed fortunes at Thurles when successful aboard Double Bogey Blues before missing out on two further winners when stood down after a fall. The afternoon began well for Casey when Double Bogey Blues upset the odds by beating Native Jack in the Matterhorn Hurdle. Mouse Morris' charge had just taken over the lead when the hot-favourite made a bad mistake at the final flight and unseated Philip Fenton. "This is all a bonus as he is a real chaser in the making," said Morris of the Celio Rufo gelding, whose F-One Syndicate includes Eddie Jordan and Denis O'Brien.
However Casey was winded after being trapped for a few minutes under Jaybee-M, who was beaten when falling at the final fence in the Loughmore E.B.F. Beginners Chase. The fall cost him victories in the following two chases aboard Assessed and Brownie Returns.
Barry Geraghty took the mount on Assessed, who led before two out to beat Kilcash Castle by seven lengths with long-time leader Carmelite two-and-a-half lengths further back in third. "He has the size and scope to be a top class chaser, and his good jumping technique will be suited by a more galloping track," said trainer Willie Mullins.
Ken Whelan can consider himself very fortunate to score on Brownie Returns in the handicap chase as Carrigeen Lily had the race at her mercy when Martin Mooney was unseated at the final fence. Strontium (Paul Moloney) returned to form with a vengeance in the Loughmore E.B.F. Beginners Chase beating Fnan by a clear-cut fifteen lengths, despite jumping markedly to the right at both fences in the straight. "He went off the boil for a while, but showed his old sparkle in a schooling bumper at Tipperary last Friday," said trainer John Gleeson.
Rathgar Beau justified favouritism under Kieran Gaule in the Urlingford Maiden Hurdle, heading Intelligent before the last to score by seven lengths. "He will be kept to novice hurdles, with Christmas being the main aim. He tends to idle if in front for too long, and Kieran says he will stay further," said trainer Eamonn Sheehy.
Chermesina was foiled of a hat-trick in the Devil's Bit Opportunity Ext. Handicap Hurdle when caught in the final strides by the Larry Hurley-ridden Garvivonnian. "He runs well around Tramore, and may go there next Wednesday," said winning trainer Ned Mitchell.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
