Sommesky (John Gleeson) beats A Tipp For Gold (Tom Hamilton)© Photo Healy Racing
A pre-Cheltenham Sunday treble will be a boon to the Henry de Bromhead team and its many supporters, newcomer Sommesky (85/40 favourite) bringing up the hat-trick for the County Waterford outfit in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Pro-Am Auction INH Flat Race at Limerick.
John Gleeson sported the silks of Graiglore Limited on the Soldier Of Fortune chestnut, and he had fellow Deise rivals in behind with John Flavin's Jackmoon taking the bronze, and Declan Queally's Broderick back in fourth.
However up front it was Mag Mullins' A Tipp For Gold that was most troublesome to Sommesky. He tried to slip the field in the final quarter mile.
The victor was having none of it though, getting on top in the final furlong to prevail by two and a quarter lengths in the end. Raglan Road won for de Bromhead at Naas earlier, whilst Hurricane Cliff took the preceding event at Greenmount Park for Knockeen in the hands of Darragh O'Keeffe.
"It is really tough going out there but it was nice for him first time out and I'm delighted with him. The lads and everyone were happy with him at home and while he was a little green and it took him a while to get going, did it nicely," reported Gleeson.
"He quickened really well - we went steady early on but we increased it plenty early and he did it well in the end. He has a lovely attitude, handled that ground well and it is onwards and upwards."
Mr D. Doyle, rider of Drumgill trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Stewards' secretary that his mount clipped a heel and stumbled independently.
(TW & EM)
