Lyreen Wonder and Barry Cash landed the Pierse Contracting Troytown Handicap Chase for the second successive year in front of a large crowd at Navan this afternoon. The Arthur Moore-trained gelding was sent clear after four out, and had enough in reserve to hold on by three-and-a-half lengths from favourite Over The Furze.
Commanche Court kept on well under topweight just a head further back in third, while Arctic Copper was fighting it out for the minor placings after falling at the last. Moore, speaking of Lyreen Wonder, confirmed afterwards: "He runs well fresh, and Barry gave him a lovely ride. He seems to be getting his jumping together, and may go next for the Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham."
The remainder of the card provided a number of important clues for the future, with impressive displays among the novice brigade. Over The Bar made a winning start over hurdles, leading two out and drawing clear under Charlie Swan to beat Spirit Leader by six lengths in the Monksfield Novice Hurdle. "He has been working nicely with Ned Kelly, and I was delighted with the way he jumped," said trainer Edward O'Grady, who added: "He may go next for the two miles Royal Bond Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse in a fortnight, although I think he wants a longer trip."
O'Grady also reflected on the defeat of Ned Kelly in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday, saying: "He's as fresh as paint this morning. He had an easy race at Down Royal, and I feel he blew up yesterday."
Swan was also aboard another exciting novice when Like-A-Butterfly justified odds-on support in the maiden hurdle. The seven-year-old mare is 8/1 favourite for the Supreme Novices Hurdle with Cashmans after leading before the straight for a very easy eight lengths victory over Rule Supreme.
Macs Gildoran, with Ruby Walsh on board, could head next for the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse after also landing the odds in fine style in the beginners chase. "He's entered in the Drinmore, although I may go next for a winners race to give him more experience," said trainer Willie Mullins.
Well Fella was quietly supported in the three-year-old maiden hurdle, and travelled strongly throughout under Stephen Curtis before drawing clear on the run-in to beat Zamnah by seven lengths. Trainer Cathal McCarthy, revelling in the success of the first juvenile hurdler under his tutelage, said: "He's tough, stays well and is a fine jumper." Heroic and John O'Meara came out on top after a thrilling finish to the bumper.
Filed by Shane Murray
