'He's as game as a cock pheasant but just wants to do everything in four strides,' was Curragh trainer John Mulhern's verdict after Osterhase had gained a deserved victory in the featured Fermoy Handicap over five furlongs at Cork.
Fran Berry had the gelding prominent throughout, and he led a furlong out before holding on by a neck from Mainly Mine in a bunch finish. 'It's a long time overdue, and he gives Stephen McCarthy alot of grief at home. His arms are pulled out as this horse wants to do everything in a hurry. He's still only a four-year-old so hopefully will be on the go for a few more seasons, and may go next for the Group 3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh on August 10,' said Mulhern.
Michael Kinane warmed up for the ride on Grandera in the King George by partnering his 48th winner of the season when Celtic Cat made a successful debut in the two-year-old maiden. The Danehill colt, whose task was greatly eased when main market-rival Solved was withdrawn after bursting out under the stalls and running loose, quickened clear inside the final furlong to beat Tashadelek by three lengths.
Tadhg O'Shea had an evening to forget as not only was he aboard Solved but his mount Royal Devotion clipped heels in the opening twelve furlongs maiden and unseated the dual champion apprentice. O'Shea had sore ribs after the incident, and wisely decided to give up his remaining ride in the sprint handicap.
My Renee supplied Niall McCullagh with his 26th success of the season in the mile and a half maiden, sweeping past Butterfly Blue inside the final furlong to score by a length and a half. 'She really needs good ground, and I will be in no rush with her. She's slow to learn and needs more experience,' said Curragh trainer Michael Grassick.
Manjoe benefitted from a step up in distance when making most under Mark Grant in the three miles winners hurdle. David Wachman's charge, well-backed from 5/1 down to 100/30, stayed on gamely in the straight to beat Caishill by four and a half lengths. 'He's always been crying out for that trip, and should make a nice chaser next year,' said Wachman.
Alan Magee
