Tag Archive for: cork

Pray Tell gives Desmond Kenneally a winner to remember

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Pray Tell provided local owner-trainer Desmond Kenneally with the biggest winner of his career to date in the Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle at Cork.

A quality field of six runners went to post for the Grade Three contest, with dual winner Pray Tell a 9-2 shot off the back of finishing third in his hat-trick bid at Punchestown in mid-October.

Minella Sixo, the 5-4 favourite for Gordon Elliott, attempted to make all the running over the extended three miles and looked likely to oblige after seeing off the challenge of the strong-travelling Just For Love in the home straight.

However, John Shinnick had kept his powder dry for a late run with Pray Tell and delivered his mount with a well-timed run at the final flight before he pulled two and a half lengths clear on the run-in.

Kenneally said: “That is brilliant and he never runs a bad race. I was confident coming here and this horse’s heart is unbelievable

“It is lovely to train a horse like this and to win at my local track is mighty. To win a graded race is unbelievable as I only train three horses and am farming.

“This is a good horse who would have been heard of years ago only for injury. Thankfully things have been good for the last two years and if this was another horse, he mightn’t be in my yard but I know he is good. He’s in (training) nearly 12 months so he could do with a little break.”

Joseph O’Brien’s Puturhandstogether opened his account over obstacles at the second attempt in the Bar One Racing “Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer” 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.

Third on his introduction at Punchestown three weeks ago, the JP McManus-owned 4-1 winner went a couple of places better under Mark Walsh, beating stablemate Turn And Finish by a length and a quarter.

“He had a nice run in Punchestown and jumped well today. He quickened up well and Mark was very happy with him, although he was green in front,” said O’Brien.

“He came on from his first run so I hope he’ll improve again. His jumping was sharper as he made a few little mistakes in Punchestown and was nice today.

“I haven’t really thought beyond today, but I don’t think he’ll go into a graded race.”

Sky Lord was a decisive winner of the Bar One Racing ‘Guaranteed Multiples All Shops’ Maiden Hurdle for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O’Keeffe.

The five-year-old finished down the field on his bumper debut at Leopardstown last Christmas for Peter Fahey, but fared better after switching yards when second at Fairyhouse in February.

Sent off at 5-2 for his reappearance and hurdling bow, Sky Lord travelled strongly before pulling four a and a quarter lengths clear of 4-5 favourite Kappa Jy Pyke.

De Bromhead said: “He jumped well, Darragh was brilliant on him and I’m delighted for the Holians (owners). He is a nice young horse, came to us highly thought of and ran well in a bumper last season.

“We’re lucky to have him, he is a gorgeous big horse who has plenty of pace. I was worried he might be keen but they went a nice gallop and he was good.

“We came to try to win our maiden hurdle so that’s done now and we might look to one of those novice hurdles in January now as Christmas will probably come too soon.”



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Energumene makes stylish return to winning ways at Cork

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A day after Jonbon strutted his stuff at Sandown, Energumene proved his considerable ability remains very much intact with a successful return from 20 months on the sidelines in the Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase at Cork.

The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old claimed this Grade Two prize in both 2021 and 2022, kicking off campaigns which both featured victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

He missed the entirety of last season through injury, though, meaning his returned to Cork marked his first competitive outing since winning at the Punchestown Festival in the spring of 2023.

Despite his lengthy absence, Energumene was a 5-4 favourite to make it a Hilly Way hat-trick under Paul Townend and he jumped accurately on front end throughout.

The race-fit Banbridge was the only one able to go with him in the straight, but he just looked to be coming off second-best when unseating Richie Deegan at the final fence.

His exit left Energumene clear of the remainder and he passed the post with 10 lengths in hand over stablemate Dinoblue, with Appreciate It and Blue Lord rounding off a Mullins one-two-three-four.

“That was a very exuberant display from him,” Mullins said.

“I thought Dinoblue would make more of the running, but Paul said his horse was just looking for fences to jump and wanted to go a better gallop, so he let him on instead of fighting him.

“I was very happy with how he jumped and he had been doing everything right since her came back in August. Hopefully he can keep going that way and it was a nice performance to build on for the season.”

Willie Mullins was delighted with Energumene's comeback victory
Willie Mullins was delighted with Energumene’s comeback victory (Damian Eagers/PA)

Coral cut Energumene’s odds to land a third Champion Chase to 5-1 from 8-1, with Nicky Henderson’s dual Tingle Creek hero Jonbon their 5-2 favourite and another Mullins inmate, Gaelic Warrior, splitting the pair at 100-30.

Energumene memorably came off second-best in a titanic clash with Shishkin in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January 2022 and whether he will head back to Berkshire for a possible clash with Shishkin’s stablemate Jonbon next month remains to be seen.

“He didn’t look like he needed the run, galloped the whole way to the line and had looked excellent since he came in,” the champion trainer added.

“Normally we skip Christmas (with his Hilly Way Chase winners) and the Clarence House Chase was what we did previously, so we’ll see how he comes out of it before making any decision.”

Speaking on RTE Sport, Mullins said he was impressed with Jonbon: “He (Jonbon) put in a terrific round of jumping, it’s there to play for. We’ll give him competition, it’s one we’ll all look forward to whenever they meet. Hopefully we can keep them apart until Cheltenham.”

Mullins also had good news on the talented but fragile Ferny Hollow, who was in the process of running a decent race on his return to action before falling in the home straight.

He said: “I’m told Ferny Hollow is fine and the news back is that he is good and came home and I was very happy with how most of the rest ran.

“It was nice to get them out and started for the season so we’ll try to find opportunities for them.”



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Only By Night makes it two from two over fences

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Only By Night continued her progress over fences with a dominant display in the Coolmore N.H. Sires Order Of St George Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Cork.

Gavin Cromwell’s charge had looked a smart recruit to the chasing game when readily accounting for Mirazur West on her fencing debut at Tipperary last month and was stepping up to Grade Two level here in the hands of Sean Flanagan.

The market principals came to the fore at the end of the extended two-mile contest, with the 7-4 favourite Nara holding sway jumping the fourth fence from the finish, but it was clear halfway up the home straight that Only By Night (2-1) had far more petrol in the tank.

Once given her head, the six-year-old cruised clear and was good value for the eventual winner margin of three and three-quarter lengths.

“She was good in Tipperary and has built on that. I thought today was coming plenty soon but with a race like this, you have to go for it,” said Cromwell.

“She is a very big mare, jumps very well and I’m looking forward to plenty more from her.

“The Grade Two mares’ novice chase at Thurles in January would look to be her next race.”

Only By Night was cut to 12-1 from 25-1 by the race sponsors for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.



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All eyes Energumene, as superstar chaser returns to the fray at Cork

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Energumene makes his long-awaited return to action when he bids for a third success in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork on Sunday.

The Willie Mullins-trained 10-year-old claimed the Grade Two in both 2021 and 2022, but an injury saw him miss the whole of last season and he was last seen April 2023.

The winner of 12 of his 15 starts under rules, he is a dual Queen Mother Champion Chase hero at Cheltenham and a six-time Grade One victor for his owner, Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom.

He has been ample given time to overcome his earlier setback, but happily has found recovery to be straightforward ahead of his comeback at Cork.

“Obviously it’s his first run back after a setback, but ever since he came back in off the grass in early August it’s been plain sailing,” said Sean Graham, racing manager to Bloom.

Energumene winning the 2023 Champion Chase
Energumene winning the 2023 Champion Chase (Mike Egerton/PA)

“Touch wood there have been no signs of the injury reoccurring and Willie has been able to do the proper prep he needs to get him to the track and have a fighting chance on Sunday.

“Obviously he’ll be a bit ring-rusty but we’ve had no hold ups or setbacks, fingers crossed he’ll run well and come back safe and sound – that’s all we really care about.

“The thing about Energumene is he hasn’t been over-raced, he might be 10 years old but there aren’t that many miles on the clock.

“Including his point to point he’s only had 16 starts, for 10 going on 11 that’s not a lot and it’s not been because of injuries and problems, we’ve just looked after him.

“We’ve always looked after him and only run him in the right races at the right time of year, we’re going to keep our fingers crossed he gets home safe and sound and he is sound on Monday morning – that’s the most important thing.”

Ferny Hollow adds an exciting dimension to the Hilly Way Chase
Ferny Hollow adds an exciting dimension to the Hilly Way Chase (Niall Carson/PA)

An eight-strong field is also due to feature another star Mullins runner returning from the sidelines in the shape of Ferny Hollow, who is unbeaten over fences but has not run since February.

Paul Townend is scheduled to ride Energumene, with Patrick Mullins aboard Ferny Hollow.



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Maxwell savours Cork National success aboard Sphagnum

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Sphagnum clung on to provide conditional rider Dillon Maxwell with a day to remember in the Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.

Trained by Shane Broderick, the seven-year-old was an 8-1 chance under the 7lb claimer at Listed level over a three-mile-four-furlong trip.

Always prominent and travelling sweetly, Sphagnum took up the lead with four obstacles to jump.

The chasing pack did begin to close in on him but he was unwilling to be passed, hanging on to prevail by just a short head on the line from Positive Thinker.

“The plan was to get a lead until maybe the second-last or last, so the line wasn’t coming quick enough!” said Maxwell.

“We always knew he’d stay as he loves the trip and the longer the trip the better. He’ll stay all day long.

“He disappointed the last day but had infection in his lungs so had an excuse and he was right for today. He made one slight mistake but winged almost everything.

“It was good for Shane (Broderick) who is nice to me and while he only has a small team of horses, puts me up on anything he has. The lads in the yard are sound and do well with the few horses they have.

“I rarely get rides, once in a blue moon, but to get this win is something special.

“I’m from outside Mullingar and live on the farm at home, so do a bit of that and I’m nearly riding as a hobby at this stage.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Gorgeous Tom could be set for bigger things after landing the Grade Three Paddy Power Betting Shops Irish EBF Novice Chase under Darragh O’Keeffe as the 13-8 favourite.

After falling last time, he bounced back to secure a five-and-a-half-length victory and a step up in level could now await.

“Obviously he had a mishap in Tipperary which was frustrating, but he was back on track there and Darragh was brilliant on him,” said De Bromhead.

“He came well recommended and while he wasn’t a bad hurdler either, we hoped he’d step forward for a fence.

“There is the Drinmore for him so we’ll see and enjoy today.”

Oscars Brother was a popular winner of the Paddy Power “How Many Days ‘Til Christmas?” Irish EBF Novice Hurdle.

The gelding, aptly trained and ridden respectively by brothers Connor and Daniel, was a 5-1 chance and strode to a two-length victory at Listed level ahead of Willie Mullins’ Paggane.

“I’m delighted to have got off the mark and for everyone involved and the horse got a great ride from Dan,” the trainer said.

“It is my home track as I’m from 15 minutes down the road although I’m based in Golden, County Tipperary.

“I did the trainers’ course around Cheltenham time this year and I’ve had one other Flat runner, along with this horse. I have three riding out but just him to run until Christmas time. I’ll concentrate on my own horses for the time being and see how it goes.

“I rode a four-timer here in 2013 which seems a long time ago and it was always a lucky track for me, so I love coming here.”

He added: “This horse is a novice until December so things will get tough for him, although whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus as he will be a good chaser. I might look at a three-mile handicap hurdle around Christmas but today had been his target for a while.

“I found the race hard to watch as I was quite nervous and think it is easier to ride them – I’ll leave that to Dan as he is doing a good job.”



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Mutasarref charts winning path in Navigation Stakes

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Mutasarref struck for the fourth time this season in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Navigation Stakes at Cork.

Ger Lyons’ six-year-old has now won 10 of his 22 career starts and was sent off the 5-4 favourite for this Listed event on the back of a fine effort in defeat behind Diego Velazquez in the Solonaway Stakes recently.

Having raced kindly for jockey Colin Keane, he made smooth headway to take the lead a furlong out before keeping on resolutely to hold off Aidan O’Brien’s Dublin by a length.

Lyons said: “It was straightforward and with having Colin on your side, you know you’re in safe hands. He kept it simple, took a lead and put his head in front when he needed to, that’s what he has been doing all his career on that horse.

“He is a legend of a horse and fellas are up at the sales in Goffs this week spending millions, so what would they give to find one of him?

“Hopefully he isn’t finished for the year but it depends on the ground as he doesn’t want heavy.”

Mutasarref’s victory gave his owner Eleanora Kennedy another winner to enjoy in a profitable 2024 season before she returns to America.

Lyons added: “This is Eleanora’s last hurrah for the season as she heads back to the States this week, so goes out with a winner.

“She has had a lovely summer and Mutasarref has been a star. Today was for Eleanora as she asked me to have one ready before October 5.

“He has done everything and more, has danced every jig and has kept a smile on our faces.”



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Shamida sets up return to Group One action

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Shamida showed the value of her comeback run last month to land the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Give Thanks Stakes at Cork.

Dermot Weld’s runner had been off for 294 days when finishing sixth in the Curragh Cup and she was clearly better for it, moving nicely into this before putting her head down to see off the front-running Ballydoyle three-year-olds Mother Nature and Lily Heart.

Ridden by Chris Hayes, the Aga Khan-owned four-year-old (4-1) – who ended last season finishing mid-division in the Prix de Royallieu on Arc weekend – was striking at Group Three level for the third time in her career and holds a number of notable engagements.

Kris Weld, assistant to his father, said: “She is a very brave and honest filly and a very good one. We thought she’d win today, we were surprised she wasn’t favourite, but there you go, and she is a triple Group Three-winning filly now.

“The distance (mile and a half) was slightly short for her, but she showed a good turn of foot at the top of the straight. She isn’t a slow filly.

“She has plenty of entries in the autumn, we’ll see how she comes out of this race and pick something nice. She’ll be going back up to Group One level again.”

Paddy Twomey and Billy Lee were out of luck with the well-fancied
La Isla Mujeres in the feature, but did have a nice winner through Super Sox in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms Irish EBF Platinum Stakes.

Progressive at the start of the season, but having her first start since May, Super Sox was sent off the 11-4 joint-favourite and there was not much doubt about the result approaching the final furlong.

Twomey said: “She is a nice filly, all her runs had been good, but she won very impressively running quick sectional times on Guineas weekend. She did a 10.5 and an 11.07 (seconds) for the final two furlongs and the horse she beat won by nine lengths and 11 lengths on his next starts.

“She is big, we gave her time and she has furnished her frame as she was quite light in the spring. She needed to fill and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards. She has an entry in the Ballyogan, but I doubt she’ll run as it is next weekend.

“Billy said she could come back to six furlongs next year and we think she has a good future.”



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Cherry Blossom looks the part with classy Cork display

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Cherry Blossom put herself in the Royal Ascot picture with a taking display in the Goffs Irish EBF Polonia Stakes at Cork.

The daughter of No Nay Never was an above-average operator as a two-year-old and although only finding the scoresheet once, finished second in the Lowther Stakes, fourth in the Group One Cheveley Park and made her way into trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Breeders’ Cup team.

Dropped to Listed company for her return to the track, she was sent off the 5-2 favourite in the hands of Wayne Lordan and barely missed a beat as she blazed a trail on the front-end.

She had too much class for Jack Davison’s likeable She’s Quality at the finish as she surged to a length and a half success, with Paddy Power trimming the Ballydoyle inmate to 25-1 from 40s for the Commonwealth Cup at the Royal meeting next month.

O’Brien was represented by Chris Armstrong, who said: “She had a high rating, had good runs at two and with today’s conditions, and the track, everything worked out.

“She is a very quick filly, wants quick ground and five (furlongs).

“It is great to get the Listed win and with the sprint programme in Ireland being tricky, she might have to travel for Group Threes for fillies.

“It’s onwards and upwards and that will be a nice confidence booster for her.”



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Thunder Roll back on track with Cork Listed score

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Joseph O’Brien’s Thunder Roll bagged another Listed prize when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Noblesse Stakes at Cork.

The Night Of Thunder filly was last seen finishing down the field in the Group One Prix de Royallieu, but prior to that took the Listed Oyster Stakes at Galway and was Group Three-placed in the Munster Oaks.

The latter race was run over a mile and four furlongs at Cork and the chestnut returned to the same course and distance to contest the Noblesse Stakes under Dylan Browne McMonagle.

Starting as the 3-1 favourite, the four-year-old ran prominently throughout and took up the lead before the two-furlong pole to go on to a half-length victory.

“She was a nice filly last year and progressed well, but she was a bit below par in France when the ground was very fast,” said O’Brien.

“I thought she did well to win today’s tactical race, as she went to the front early and fought all the way to the line.

“It was a very good ride and hopefully she is a progressive filly for this year.

“There is no doubt she will be at her best when she has a bit of juice (in the ground) and while Dylan said we could consider 10 furlongs if we wanted to, I think she’ll stick to one mile and four furlongs.”

Thunder Roll could return again to this track, with O’Brien adding: “There is the Group Three Munster Oaks back here in June.”

Dermot Weld’s Spoken Truth caught the eye when taking the Buy Tickets At CorkRacecourse.ie Maiden, a race won by the yard’s 2016 Derby and Irish Derby hero Harzand.

Spoken Truth at Cork
Spoken Truth at Cork (Thomas Weekes/PA)

Fourth on his sole run as a two-year-old, the Frankel colt is out of the mare Joailliere, making him a full brother to Moyglare’s 2022 Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Homeless Songs.

As the 13-8 favourite, the colt, who has Derby and Irish Derby entries, ran a pleasing race to prevail by two and a quarter lengths, with Aidan O’Brien’s Psalm behind him and the third-placed horse a further four and a half lengths back.

Weld said: “I won this race with Harzand at the start of his career and this is a gorgeous, kind, big horse who would like better ground. I love the way he came home over the last furlong, as he only hit his stride.

“I’m thinking of running him in the Gallinule, as it would be a logical way to go and that is his most likely next race.

“As the season progresses, he will fill into that big body of his and it is early days in his career. We are very hopeful with him, but time will tell.”



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Asterion Forlonge and Sir Gerhard untroubled at Cork

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Asterion Forlonge and Sir Gerhard both made the most of having their sights lowered to provide Willie Mullins and Sean O’Keeffe with a double at Cork.

The Closutton pair finished sixth and 12th in the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival less than three weeks ago, but each had far less on their respective plates on Easter Sunday.

Asterion Forlonge (1-4 favourite) faced a solitary rival in the Grade Three Bar One Racing Chase and after initially taking a lead from Lucid Dreams, asserted from before the home turn and ultimately won comfortably, by 14 lengths.

O’Keeffe said: “He always likes to jump right, that’s just his way of doing it, but overall he jumped well. His jumping isn’t going to change now with his age but it was a good performance.

“We went a nice gallop, didn’t hang around and it is nice to get another win with him.

“He is a high-class horse and was bang there in those top Grade One chases so the ability is there.

“He has been around a long time, he has been a right horse and they (Asterion Forlonge and Sir Gerhard) are two top horses so it is great to get the opportunity to ride them.”

Sir Gerhard was even shorter odds for the Bar One Racing Hurdle at 1-5 and the result was never really in doubt.

Dropping a full mile in distance, the Cheveley Park Stud-owned gelding stamped his class with a 12-length victory over the long-absent Sempo.

“He retains plenty ability, is a very good horse and it was a nice race for him dropping back in trip today. He made a mistake down the back straight but jumped well and has his own way of doing it,” O’Keeffe added.

“The Stayers’ Hurdle trip stretches him a bit and that two miles in that grade was no problem. I have ridden him plenty at home and he always works well enough so it is nice to get another win into him.”



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Straightforward seasonal return for One Look at Cork

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Paddy Twomey’s One Look maintained her unbeaten record with a workmanlike display in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Race at Cork.

Sent off the prohibitively priced 1-20 favourite to beat four rivals, she did so with the minimum of fuss but failed to shake up the ante-post Classic markets.

Having won the Goffs Million on her racecourse debut, the daughter of Gleneagles went into the winter as a big fancy for the 1000 Guineas.

Twomey carefully selected her reappearance run and her starting price suggested the calibre of opposition she was up against, although in the heavy ground, Billy Lee had to shake her up.

While she ultimately won by three lengths, Coral left her unchanged at 9-1 for the Newmarket Classic.

“She did exactly what we were hoping she would do. We got her out, got her some exercise and education and it has gone to plan, so I’m very happy,” said Twomey.

“We had the plan in our head that we were coming (regardless of the heavy ground), she settled and quickened and it was pretty straightforward. I don’t think I’ve trained many 1-20 shots!

“That was her first piece of work for the year, so we’ll sit down and make a plan. We have a couple of more fillies to run, so we will see where we go but she is in the Irish, English, French and German Guineas.

“If she runs in Newmarket (English 1000 Guineas), she would go straight there, but if she runs in Ireland, she might run again.

“She is a lovely-actioned filly, was ready to run today and I think she’ll progress plenty.”

Wide With Delight won on her debut
Wide With Delight won on her debut (PA)

There was a mild surprise in the opening Welcome To The Racing Home For Easter Festival 2024 Fillies’ Maiden, which went the way of Johnny Murtagh’s debutante Wide With Delight (20-1).

Winning jockey Shane B Kelly said: “She is a lovely filly with a really good attitude. Her work has been good at home but we thought she might need the run. I’d say she isn’t too bad.

“We hacked early in the race and I took back to be behind Colin (Keane, on favourite National Lady), as he would bring me where I needed to be if mine was good enough – and it worked out well.

“She pricked her ears out of greenness and had a good look around but she was still going forward. She was a lovely ride, has a great attitude and is really likeable.”

Andy Slattery’s Easy lived up to her name when barely coming off the bridle in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cork Stakes at 25-1, sparking Royal Ascot dreams for the trainer.

“If I have a Group One horse, this is it. I knew she’d improve from today but we can’t get her off the bridle and she was only half-speeding. I’d say she will improve a lot and hopefully we are heading for Royal Ascot,” said Slattery.

“I never had a horse like her to pull away from horses so easily and that’s how she initially got her name – everything was easy for her.

“I’m going to keep her to five or six furlongs, as she has so much pace and talent. Both Group One sprint races at Royal Ascot would be the plan, along with the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh.”

He added: “She is back from injury, so hopefully we can keep her sound. I got her back last July but we had a bit of patching up to do with her. She had knee problems, so had to go for an operation. She is in training a long time before today but had no hard gallops done with her.

“She will go on any ground and she is exciting.”

Slattery and his jockey son of the same name had already won the Book Tickets Online At CorkRacecourse.ie Handicap with Independent Expert (17-2).



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Da Capo strikes for Cork Glory

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Padraig Butler’s Da Capo Glory struck on his seasonal debut to land the EASYFIX Handicap Hurdle at Cork.

The seven-year-old has not been seen since pulling up in the Galway Hurdle in August last year but took no time in hitting his stride this time around.

Under conditional rider Darragh Allen the gelding started a 9-2 chance and toughed it out to prevail by a head on testing soft to heavy ground.

“It is his first run for five months and Darragh (Allen) knows him very well having won a bumper and maiden hurdle on him,” said Butler.

“We couldn’t look past him with his 7lb claim on that ground, which is worth its weight in gold.”

He went on: “This horse was my first winner, he is still flying the flag and is a mighty horse. He isn’t big but is very well bred and jumps hurdles very well.

“He pulled up in the Galway Hurdle when they went a million (miles per hour) and we were behind and beaten after the first hurdle. He didn’t really get a race though but the thing about him is he can hit flat spots in his races.

“He ran well when finishing fourth in the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran last year and that is an option again.”

Willie Mullins’ Largy Hill got off the mark over obstacles when winning the ITM Irish Stallion Trail 12-13 January Maiden Hurdle under Paul Townend.

The bay is a bumper winner who finished second on his hurdles debut at Navan in November, a run he improved for as he secured a two-and-three-quarter-length victory over Oscars Brother as the 1-2 favourite.

“He stayed nicely, travelled well and with the ground being testing, had to do things right which he did,” said Townend.

“He improved from a good first run (over hurdles) and we were hoping he would improve at this distance.

“He was professional in everything he did and stayed very nicely. That ground is hard work and when I got there, he sized up the last himself. I’d imagine that that is his distance, as the way he races he has no problem with three miles.”

The other maiden hurdle on the card, the Happy New Year From All At Cork Maiden Hurdle, went the way of Thomas Cooper’s D Art D Art, a three-and-a-quarter length victor under Donagh Meyler at 100-30.

The chestnut was well beaten on his hurdles debut at Naas but returned to action at Cork to claim a second career success to add to his prior bumper win last term.

“We dropped him in at Naas but he got crowded and with more light today, jumped savage and was deadly,” said Cooper.

“Ricky Doyle schooled him over hurdles before he ran at Naas and said he never saw a horse go from A to B as quick.

“Sean (Flanagan, on Will Wilde) took him on early doors today and while he was gaining on the flat, my fella was gaining over the jumps. He was low and quick.

“His form is on heavy but yielding ground shouldn’t inconvenience him. I didn’t think beyond today and it is hard to know where to go now.”

Thomas Gibney’s Flamborough won the Annual Membership Available Rated Novice Hurdle as the evens favourite under Darragh O’Keeffe.

“It was a very suitable race and was almost made for him. It’s great if you have a horse who fits into these novice rated races and he did. He didn’t travel great in the race so we are delighted to get the result,” said Gibney.

Ellmarie Holden’s Jet Setting Johnny took the Quays Bar And Bistro Fermoy And The Stables Bar Carrigaline Beginners Chase under Hugh Morgan at 100-30.

The performance was the gelding’s third start over fences and he prevailed by half a length over the two-and-a-half-mile trip.

“That was a long time coming but we got there in the end and Hugh, who is with me full-time now, knows him inside out,” Holden said.

“It looked positive coming here today from a good run the last day although we were concerned about the ground.

“The initial plan was to sell him after point-to-pointing him but that didn’t work out although he is for sale now.”

The 12-year-old R’evelyn Pleasure showed he had plenty to offer still with a half-length triumph in the EASYFIX Handicap Chase.

Partnered by Mark McDonagh, the 13-2 chance was the winner of a veterans’ race at Limerick eight days ago and clearly came out of that contest ready to go again.

“I had to run him back so quick as he came out of Limerick well. They went no gallop at Limerick, he found things so easy so I had to run him,” said O’Brien.

“He ran well in this race a few years ago and I liked him coming today as it was a small field and Mark kept it simple. He toughed it out well and is really enjoying his racing.”



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In-form Kennedy bags Cork hat-trick

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Search For Glory toughed out victory in the Singletons Supervalu Stayers Novice Hurdle at Cork, completing a treble on the card for jockey Jack Kennedy.

A field of five runners went to post for Grade Three contest, and all of them were still in with some sort of a chance rounding the home turn.

With the strong-travelling Mahon’s Way checking out quickly under pressure, and What Path also faltering in the latter stages of the three-mile contest, it was course and distance winner Solitary Man who threw down the biggest challenge to Gordon Elliott’s 7-4 favourite.

But in truth, Search For Glory was already winning the argument on the approach to the final flight and he asserted on the run-in to score by three lengths.

“He stays well, jumped and travelled great and is a progressive horse. He is a staying horse and hopefully he keeps going the right way now,” said Kennedy.

The in-form rider, fresh from a double at Navan on Saturday, had earlier won the first two races aboard Joseph O’Brien’s Harsh and the Elliott-trained No Time To Wait respectively.

Harsh and Jack Kennedy (right) won the opening race at Cork
Harsh and Jack Kennedy (right) won the opening race at Cork (Niall Carson/PA)

Having finished third on his jumping debut at Punchestown a fortnight ago, Harsh justified cramped odds of 2-5 with an eight-length success in the Bar One Racing ‘Bet 10 Euros Get 50 Euros Sign Up Offer’ 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.

No Time To Wait was a 3-1 winner of the Bar One Racing ‘Guaranteed Multiples All Shops’ Maiden Hurdle, with 4-6 shot Western Diego disappointing in fifth.

Of Harsh, Kennedy said: “His last jump was his best and it took him a while to warm into it. Some horses don’t really take to those rubber hurdles but he is a nice horse.

“He is learning away the whole time and it was probably a good race he finished third in at Punchestown. It was nice to get today done.”

Jack Kennedy at Cork on Sunday
Jack Kennedy at Cork on Sunday (Niall Carson/PA)

Cafe Con Leche was a 40-1 winner of the Bar One Racing “Guaranteed Overnight Prices” Handicap Hurdle for trainer Charles Byrnes and owner-rider Anthony Bustin.

Byrnes said: “I’m delighted for Anthony who works for me and he claimed the horse.

“I recommended him for €10,000 as he was looking for a horse to ride and I thought this fella would give him plenty of fun.”

The concluding Greenvalley Transport Novice Handicap Hurdle went the way of the John McConnell-trained West Away (10-1), ridden by Ben Harvey.



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Ascot plan, as El Fabiolo enjoys comfortable Hilly Way success

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El Fabiolo kicked off the new campaign as he finished the last with a predictably dominant display in the Bar One Racing Hilly Way Chase at Cork.

The Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old was flawless as a novice over fences last season, winning each of his four starts, including a brilliant triumph over Jonbon in the Arkle at Cheltenham.

With Jonbon having advertised his Queen Mother Champion Chase claims with victory in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday, it was over to El Fabiolo 24 hours later and he did not disappoint.

Mullins had saddled nine of the last 10 winners of the Hilly Way, with Un De Sceaux, Chacun Pour Soi and the currently sidelined dual Champion Chase hero Energumene among those on the roll of honour.

El Fabiolo and Paul Townend on their way to winning the Hilly Way Chase
El Fabiolo and Paul Townend on their way to winning the Hilly Way Chase (Niall Carson/PA)

El Fabiolo was a 1-5 shot to add his name to the list and after travelling well on the heels of the pacesetters for much of the extended two-mile contest, Paul Townend allowed him to take over before four fences from the finish and he quickly took control.

Fil Dor did his best to keep tabs on the leader in the home straight, but despite a peck on landing after jumping the final obstacle, El Fabiolo never looked like coming to grief and was driven out on the run-in to prevail by four and three-quarter lengths.

Betfair and Paddy Power left the winner unchanged at 10-11 for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March, with old rival Jonbon rated his biggest threat at 5-2.

Mullins said: “I was a little worried as I had five other runners today and none of them shone so I was thinking this could be one of those days, but he got the job done.

“He was workmanlike and was very free with Paul over the first three fences. He didn’t get too high (in jumping) and Paul was trying to not let his head go and didn’t want him running too free.

“He relaxed at the second fence down the back straight and was able to do things properly. If he needed a race, Jack Kennedy (on runner-up Fil Dor) was there to test him and he did.”

There is a possibility of a pre-Festival clash between El Fabiolo and Jonbon, with Mullins suggesting a trip across the Irish Sea could be next on the agenda for his charge.

He added: “Jonbon did his job nicely, we got the job done today and we all have to get to Cheltenham.

“I don’t where we’ll go now – we’ll look at Christmas as well, but he will probably go to Ascot for the Clarence House (in January).”

The champion trainer also provided an update on Energumene’s well-being, saying: “He is in great shape considering and while he is out for the season, hopefully will be out at some stage.”



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Silent Approach causes big upset at Cork

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Silent Approach provided her trainer, owner and breeder Con O’Keeffe with the biggest success of his career as she registered a shock victory in the O’Flynn Group Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Cork.

Although a winner on her chasing debut at Galway last month, the five-year-old faced a huge rise in class for this Grade Two contest and was priced up accordingly at 33-1.

For much of the extended two-mile contest, things appeared to be going to script, with 6-5 favourite Harmonya Maker setting out to make all the running and provide jockey Jack Kennedy with a fourth successive victory on the card.

However, she hung left approaching the first fence on the second circuit and halfway down the back straight Silent Approach was given her head and allowed to stride on in front by Danny Mullins.

Silent Approach with connections at Cork
Silent Approach with connections at Cork (Thomas Weekes/PA)

To her credit, Harmonya Maker managed to stay in the fight until the approach to the final fence, after which Silent Approach stamped her authority and pulled three and a quarter lengths clear.

“It is a great win and I must dedicate it to my wife Claire, who lost her mother Peggy last week. She was always the first one to ring me after we won a race, so this is great for Claire and my family,” said O’Keeffe.

“We have been jumping hurdles all year, but the lads have been saying to jump fences and she is a fantastic jumper who is improving all the time. We were hopeful, as she was in great form and Danny gave her a fantastic ride.

“We have had the family for three generations and you could write what I know about training horses on a postage stamp, as breeding is our game. I’m delighted for Tadhg (O’Sullivan, co-owner), who has been with me with our horses from the beginning.”



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