Punters at Cork tonight could have been forgiven for feeling a little confused where a seven race card featured a Group race run from a tape start, a Flat maiden, a sprint handicap, a handicap hurdle and two chases while the bumper was run as the third race.
The Group 3 Ballyogan Stakes was started from a tape start although there were no hard luck stories in the six furlong sprint with Tim Easterby's Blue Nun showed a blistering to go clear inside the final furlong for a one and a half length success. Easterby was not present to witness the win although jockey Robert Winston, originally from Finglas, was recording his first success in Ireland.
The opening Kerry Spring Water Handicap was won by David Wachman's Desert Gold under Jamie Spencer. The 5/4 favourite headed front running Dragon Inn Dancer 200 yards from home before recording a comfortable two length success.
Wachman later reported 'she is tough and genuine and likes that fast ground.'
Aidan O'Brien saddled another two year old winner when Showdance completed a double for jockey Spencer in the Golden Olive Maiden. The well bred son of Kingmambo returned the well backed 2/5 favourite (from 4/6) and made all to defeat Aragorn by four and a half lengths.
The locally trained Teo Perugo was a popular winner of the 2m1f handicap chase under a confident David Casey ride. The winner made all but was joined by runner-up City Hall after the third last, before quickening clear for a three length win.
Winning trainer Eugene O'Sullivan later commented 'he was nicely in at 9st7lbs and likes that ground while the distance was just right. I though he'd win when he slipped up early on at Tralee last Sunday.'
The bumper went to Charlie Swan'a Ballyguider Bridge under Leonard Flynn. Swan was absent but was represented by Louisa Williams who mentioned 'Charlie always liked the filly and she always works well at home while Leonard gave her an excellent ride.'
Wicklow trainer Prunella Dobbs saddled her fourth winner when Classic Note landed the two mile handicap hurdle. Dobbs later reported 'Paddy Flood gave her a lovely ride. We will keep Classic Note going for the Summer and aim for a similar race.'
David Wachman later completed a double when Manjoe landed the concluding Low Low Chase under an excellent ride from Mark Grant.
Thomas Weekes.
