Local trainer Ger Lyons enjoyed his most significant success as a trainer when Big-And-Bold landed the Grade One Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse this afternoon in the hands of champion jockey Ruby Walsh. The 7-1 chance jumped superbly to overcome the challenge of English raider Biliverdin and then repel the late surge of Harbour Pilot as the favourite Truckers Tavern disappointed.
"My main worry about Big-And-Bold was that he had a stone bruise behind last week and had also recovered from a sinus infection following his win in Down Royal. But I have always thought the world of him," said Lyons. "This horse now goes to Ayr for the Scottish Future Champions Chase sponsored by his owners on April 20, and that will do for the season," said Lyons.
The E100,000 final of the Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle series again proved a bonanza for jockey David Casey who was winning the competitive contest for the fourth time as Anxious Moments relegated Just Our Job (20-1) to the runner-up berth for the second year in a row.
Owned by JP McManus, Anxious Moments was backed in from 10-1 to 8-1 in a lively market and was always travelling strongly for Casey, deputising for trainer/rider Charlie Swan who could not do the weight (9-8). "Anxious Moments needs a break between races, so we will miss out the Punchestown Festival and probably wait with him for the Galway Hurdle," Swan explained.
The Winning Line registered their first victory as owners with an Irish-trained runner when Livingstonebramble took the opening Wetherbys Ireland Maiden Hurdle in impressive style.
"He disappointed a little in his two bumper runs, but the way he jumped today I can't wait for him to go over fences next season and he should be a decent chaser for The Winning Line," said trainer Willie Mullins. The 9-2 chance was the first leg of a double for champion jockey Walsh who followed up on Big-And-Bold two races later.
In The Forge finished lame after an impressive success for Curragh trainer Michael Halford in the Boyle Sports Hurdle in the hands of former champion Barry Geraghty. "Barry said he missed the second last hurdle and I hope the over-reach which he suffered has not damaged the tendons. He is a big horse with a future, presuming there is no damage done," said winning trainer Halford.
Another Curragh trainer among the winners was Dessie Hughes who saddled both the 10-1 victor Hardy Eustace and runner-up Central House in the E65,000 Goffs Land Rover Bumper, this pair finishing too strongly for the favourite Scarthy Lad which had gone to the front rounding the final bend.
Filed by Laura Reynolds
