Ridgeway doesn't have to Battle in Thurles opener

Despite proving easy-to-back, Battle Of Ridgeway ran out a comfortable winner of the opener at Thurles this afternoon, the Sign Up To gavinlynchracing.com Beginners Chase.

Bought for E10,000 at the Goffs Land Rover Sale in 2021, the Martin Hassett-trained Califet gelding was following-up on a win over flights at Clonmel in May.

As short as 7/2 in early shows for this two-mile two-furlong contest, the bay victor, who was making his racecourse debut over fences, eventually went off a 13/2 chance under Brian Hayes.

Given a patient ride, the five-year-old wasn't fluent at times but made good progress after six out and improved to lead from the penultimate obstacle.

He had all his rivals off the bridle entering the straight and soon had matters under control, going on to register an easy 11-length success in the colours of David O'Mahoney Electrical Services Ltd.

The other two five-year-olds in the line-up finished second and third, with 66/1 outsider Vocito half-a-length in front of Warm In Gorey (12/1).

Returned the 7/2 favourite, Tomas O Maille could only manage a disappointing eighth, with just nine of the 14 who set out managing to complete the course.

"To be honest, I thought he'd take a run," Hassett revealed.

"Maybe he's one of these horses that doesn't show a whole pile at home and I thought he might want plenty of work so I was taken aback.

"Brian (Hayes) came down and schooled him and said he'd want a run or two - maybe the nice ground helped as he said it wasn't too bad.

"It was Thurles, it's near, and I thought it was a nice start off over fences. He looked a bit better than the boys and we'll go back over hurdles now.

"We've always liked him and genuinely thought this was the 'Barbados horse' even when he was point-to-pointing.

"I sold him to the boys who own Harry's Hill and I was hoping it would work out. They're lucky owners."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tomas O Maille, trained by M. Flannery, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race and showing signs of delayed recovery.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes