David Halley got his riding career off to the best possible start when partnered Kald River to take the valuable Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Flat Race. Halley (16), whose father John owns the Pat Doyle-trained gelding and is also the vet at Ballydoyle, had the 4yo prominent throughout before drawing clear to beat fellow newcomer Candy Girl by 12L.
Kald River was an easy to back 10/1 chance (from 7's) but paid a massive 145.70 for a win on the Tote. Davy Russell made a fleeting visit from Britain worthwhile when recording a 53/1 double aboard Dusseldorf and Sir Ryco.
Local handler Austin Leahy is considering a switch to the Flat for a 10f race at Clonmel with Dusseldorf after the mare readily landed the 2m maiden hurdle. Russell sent her clear after three out to beat Seagull Eile by 7L, and Leahy said, 'I bred her and also have three half-brothers at home. Credit to Davy as he has lovely hands, and got her to settle and jump well.'
Mark Madden was found guilty of making insufficient effort on eighth placed Arachine, and was suspended for three days (26, 29 & 30 March). Russell had to work harder on Sir Ryco in the 3m handicap hurdle, but Danny O'Connell's charge stayed on gamely for a 2L verdict over Amandas Princess. 'The blinkers helped him to concentrate, and I was happy he would stay this trip after running well over 2m4f at Thurles last time. Davy said he would jump a fence no bother,' said O'Connell.
Tom Taaffe is considering a trip to Aintree next month with Emotional Moment after his prominent showing in the Coral Cup. 'He had the run of the race but probably hit the front too soon,' said Taaffe, who also reports Supreme Novices' Hurdle second Kicking King in good form. 'He definitely goes chasing, and will not run again this season.'
The Co.Kildare handler was speaking after Solar System had justified odds-on support in the 2m4f maiden hurdle. 'His handicapping experience was what won it for him. He's a big, raw horse and a staying chaser in the making.'
Be My Belle failed to justify her odds on tag in the featured Dawn Run EBF Mares Novice Chase, with Barry Geraghty reporting that the ground was not soft enough. The 4/7 fav was no match for Princess Symphony in the straight, and successful trainer Eamonn Sheehy said, 'I have no real plan but she may go to Aintree for a 3m novice.'
Glenelly Gale and Fiery Ring dominated the 2m1f handicap chase, and Conor O'Dwyer's mount found a bit extra on the run-in to touch off his front-running rival by a neck. A better jump at the last proved vital in the concluding 2m4f handicap chase where Knock Knock (Mark Grant) accounted for Grange Leader by 1 1/2L.
