Waterford-born rider Ian Power brought his career tally to the ten winner mark when he partnered Noel Meade's Bondi Storm to victory in the featured Proudstown Handicap Hurdle at Navan this afternoon. The 20-year-old oozed confidence throughout the contest before coaxing the 5/1 shot past Cadou Royal over the penultimate flight to score by four-and-a-half lengths. Meade revealed afterwards: "I've been running this mare over three miles but all her winning form is over two-and-a-half so I suppose we'll keep her to that trip in future."
Noel Meade and his supporters had more reason to be happy later in the day when Strong Run, formerly trained by John Fowler, landed a tidy gamble in the two mile one furlong handicap chase. Supported from 6/1 to 3/1f, the son of Strong Gale kept on well after the last in the hands of Barry Geraghty to hold Penny Native and Caitriona's Choice.
Ground Ball and Petersham went off 6/4 joint favourites for the Conway Group Novice Hurdle and it was the former who won the day with a pillar to post victory, but not without some drama. Petersham began to take closer order after the third last flight and was about to draw alongside the eventual winner when JP McManus' charge drifted violently to his right, hampering Michael O'Brien's gelding. Seconds later a bad mistake at the penultimate flight unshipped rider Gary Walshe from the unsettled Petersham leaving Ground Ball to come home twelve lengths clear of Bassett Tiger.
"He was hanging out the whole way through the race and was lazy in front," summed up Swan, who later in the day completed a double with another bold front-running performance aboard Perky's Pride. Michael Cunningham, who trains the six-year-old for the Frank's Friends Syndicate, wasn't happy with his jumping. "He jumped very poorly, I thought, and just didn't like that gluey ground. I'd say he's better over a shorter trip and he won't run again until mid February with Fairyhouse and Punchestown the likely targets," he said.
The famous JP McManus colours found the winners enclosure for the second time during the session when Youlneverwalkalone deservedly opened his account over the larger obstacles. Winning trainer Christy Roche said afterwards: "We decided to ride him closer to the pace and the different tactics worked today. That was a good confidence booster and he'll run again in the Dr PJ Moriarty Chase at Leopardstown next."
Arthur Moore and Conor O'Dwyer combined to win the 30-runner maiden hurdle with Eskimo Jack, while Ronan's Cottage, also well supported in the market, got up close home to win the finale for permit holder Jimmy O'Keeffe.
Filed by Shane Murray
