Perfect's win brings back memories

Some well-known names of the past, like Strong Promise, Sibton Abbey, Shady Deal and Gee-A, were brought to mind after Perfect Promise s twenty one length win in the opening incident-packed Irish Stallion Farms EBF (Mares) Beginners Chase at Thurles.

The Adrian Heskin-ridden daughter of Presenting, didn't go un-backed despite her 12/1 starting price, and she had The Conker Club beaten when that one came to grief at the last.

Thankfully Robbie Colgan and Billy Harney's charge were okay after the spill.

Only six of the thirteen that set out, completed the course, with favourite Feenakilmeedy having no more to offer by the end of the back-straight. She pulled up.

Perfect Promise was bred by Geoff Hubbard Racing, the late owner, who had the likes of dual Cheltenham Gold Cup placer, Strong Promise, back in the 1990s. His daughter, Janet Reader, owns the Jimmy Mangan-trained Perfect Promise.

"She was running a blinder when she hit the fence going up the back and gave Patrick (Mangan, son and jockey then) no chance of staying on here the last day," reflected Mangan.

"Prior to that I was expecting to get black-type with her at Mallow but she got injured in the stable and had to be withdrawn. She then had niggly problems and while the year has slipped away, I think there's a big chase in her at some stage.

"She'll stay going for the spring and summer; those long evenings in Killarney, what'd be wrong with them?!"

D.N. Russell, rider of Feenakilmeedy trained by C.Byrnes, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount may not have acted on the ground.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Feenakilmeedy, trained by C.Byrnes, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)