Mulcahy shines on Barna Venture

Barna Venture confirmed the promise of a run here earlier this month when taking the www.thurlesraces.ie Handicap Chase.

Shane Mulcahy (20), who was also on the mark aboard Fleurys Fort here last Thursday, had the lightly-raced gelding up with the pace throughout.

The Denis Hogan-trained 8/1 chance regained the lead at the second last, and responded well under pressure drawing clear on the run-in to beat 9/4 favourite Fairymount Boy by four lengths. Seskin Flyer was a further three quarters of a length back in third.

Hogan said, "The young lad is improving as much as the horse and he gave him a super ride. This is a difficult horse and he gets on great with him. He is a huge horse, 17 hands, and is hard work and rides out on his own.

"He is after settling down this year and we've learned how to handle him and get up on him out on the track. The hardest part is getting him to the start and once he gets there, Shane can manage the rest but he's a young mans ride!

"Shane is improving and is a grafter and works day and night. We were doing a job last week on the gallop and he gave me a hand until all hours of the night in the heavy rain and he deserves everything he gets and I'll be supporting him plenty.

"It's great for Francis and Brid Collison who are neighbours of mine and this is my first winner for them."

(TW & AM)