The Ireland/Australia Jockey's Challenge came alive at Fairyhouse yesterday when the visitors recorded a 1-2-3 in the latest leg of the series.
Tom Hazlett, the eldest member of the four man team at 31, sent Sum Leader to the front early in the straight of the Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle, and rode the five-year-old gelding out to the line for a nine lengths victory over Mr Sneaky Boo (Ciaron Maher). The Martin Mills-ridden Lightning Storm was a further two and a half lengths back in third.
This result means that there is just three points between the teams (18-15) going into the final days action at Downpatrick today.
Michael Kinane booted home a double aboard Battle Cruiser and Tortue. The former finally came good when taking the Coolaney Maiden in fine style. Charles O'Brien's charge, runner-up four times this year, made most before stretching clear well over a furlong out to beat Desert Trail by six lengths.
Kinane is now on the 67 winner mark, six behind leader Pat Smullen, after Tortue completed her hat-trick when just holding the late surge of Peaceful Sarah by a head in the Aclare Handicap. 'She is a well-bred filly, and will be going to the sales in December', said winning trainer Noel Meade. The Navan handler went on to complete his own double in the bumper when Pietro Vannucci beat stablemate Laughing Lesa by four lengths.
Favourite backers got the best of the action throughout the afternoon including the well-supported Munda Nai in the opening six furlongs Drumfin EBF Maiden. Niall McCullagh deputised for the sidelined John Murtagh aboard the John Oxx-trained juvenile, who headed the front-running Hasina well inside the final furlong to score by a head.
'She is a quick ground filly and, if the ground remains good, she may go for a nursery over this trip', said Oxx's assistant Jimmy O'Neill.
The market also proved a telling guide to the Benbulben Maiden Hurdle where Khairambar justified good support. Kieran Kelly's mount, third in the Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel last time, made all for a convincing five lengths verdict over Owen Roe. 'He needs good ground, and I will probably put him away now until the spring', said trainer Dessie Hughes.
Ken Whelan partnered his first winner for nearly four months when Curhubber Girl headed Boy Scout in the closing stages for a two length success in the Carney Maiden Hurdle.
Alan Magee
