Thurles trainer Mark Loughnane produced the twelve-year-old Liscahill Hill to win the Listed Patsy Byrne Hurdle at Tralee this afternoon.
The 12/1 chance made every yard of the running under David Russell and despite drifting right under pressure after the last he had enough in reserve to hold off Heemanela and Tribal Princess.
“We fancied him. All my horses have been running well and this horse ran a cracker at Cork last time. The spa in Holycross has been a big help to this horse because he has broken down twice and it keeps him going,” said a delighted Loughnane.
Dermot Weld continued his excellent run of form when the Curragh trainer recorded a short-priced double courtesy of Summer Sunset and Ballyconnell.
The former landed the opening two-year-old maiden, which was won last year by Vintage Tipple, at odds of 8/11. Pat Smullen’s mount was never too far off the pace and improved into second turning for home.
She eventually mastered the front-running Cocorica inside the final furlong and ran on well for a half length victory. The fourth-placed Inspired Idea would have been closer but for almost slipping up on the final turn.
“She deserved that. She had been running well in Stakes races and the main aim will be to win one with her. That was a workmanlike performance but the ground was as fast as she would want it,” said Weld.
The master of Rosewell House then switched his attentions to fences as Ballyconnell (6/4) gained a deserved first victory over fences. Barry Geraghty’s mount went clear approaching the straight and came home nine lengths clear of Berengarius. Vatirisk looked a major danger until slipping up leaving the back straight.
“Everything went right today and Vatirisk’s fall probably helped. He’s a great jumper and could run next in the Kerry National,” remarked Weld.
Filed by James McMahon
