Eddie Lynam and Irene Oakes both opened their accounts for the season when successful at Naas this afternoon with Fingal Nights and All Pop respectively. Fingal Nights was prominent throughout on the stands side in the six furlong handicap, and asserted at the furlong pole under Seamus Heffernan to beat Osterhase by one-and-a-half lengths. Lynam admitted afterwards: "I thought she would need the run as my horses have been sick this year. She will go for a 0-85 handicap at the Curragh on Guineas day, while a lot of my two-year-olds won't be out for another three weeks."
All Pop benefitted from a powerful drive by Pat Shanahan in the fillies maiden, staying on gamely when challenged by De Laroche from the furlong pole to prevail by a neck. Shanahan was severely cautioned by the stewards for his frequent use of the whip in the final 50 yards. "She was a little bit backward last year, and conditions were right today as she loves top of the ground and going left-handed," said Ms Oakes.
Impending motherhood proved no barrier to Sail With The Wind as the Paul Cashman-trained mare landed the featured one mile three furlong fillies handicap. The five-year-old is currently in foal to Namid, and she dug deep in the straight for Philip Carberry to record a three-quarter length victory over Queen For A Day. There were no jackpot units on the 12/1 chance, and the pool of €4,235 is carried forward to the next meeting here on June 3.
Meanwhile, Martin Gunne gained a deserved win in the seven furlong maiden, making virtually all and driven out by Kevin Manning inside the final 1/4m to beat Pacific by three- and-a-half lengths. "He will be better over a mile, and will now be stepped up in class," said winning trainer Jim Bolger's assistant Myles Sutherland.
Earlier, Homer Scott had double call for celebration after saddling John James to land the novice hurdle as he also stands the gelding's sire, Bravefoot, at his Lisheen Stud. Ken Whelan sent the six-year-old to the front over half-a-mile out, and he stayed on under pressure on the run-in to deny Ikdam Melody by a length.
Sean McDermott was seen to good effect in the handicap hurdle aboard Sully Shuffles, who got up near the line to pip Kapok and Khairambar. Liscannor Lad justified favouritism in the bumper under Roger Loughran.
Filed by Shane Murray
