The three day Festival meeting drew to a close at Gowran Park on Saturday, and Michael Kinane took full advantage of the absence of Ascot-bound John Murtagh by drawing level with his great rival at the top of the Flat jockeys championship.
The Denny Cordell Lavarack Memorial EBF Fillies Stakes was the feature on this seven race mixed card, and Kournakova justified good support in the 70,000 euro Listed event. Kinane had the daughter of Sadler's Wells up with the pace throughout, leading early in the straight and staying on well under pressure in the closing stages to beat Desert Trail by one and a half lengths.
The 11 times champion is now on the 66 winner mark for the campaign having earlier teamed up with Jim Bolger for their 'first winner in over 20 years' according to the Coolcullen handler with She's So Beautiful in the seven furlongs handicap. The Bluebird filly quickly drew clear inside the final quarter mile to beat Eurolink Rooster by two and a half lengths.
Bolger was also completing a double on the afternoon, bringing his tally to 55 this season (third numerically in the trainers table), as Turn Back Time took the opening nursery. Turn Back Time, partnered by stable rider Kevin Manning, just got the better of a protracted duel with Great Compton and 'might run again this year as he's not had a hard time.' Declan McDonogh was given a one day suspension (October 24) for careless riding on Imazulutoo following an incident soon after the start of this race.
Noel Meade landed the Lord Bagenal Inn 'Stars Of Tomorrow' Beginners Chase for the third successive year when Good Vintage scored in fine style. The previously frustrating seven-year-old gelding was always travelling strongly for Paul Carberry, and drew clear in the straight to easily beat Frezenium by five lengths. 'I was so intent on winning a race with him that he was getting a bit fed up, so I decided to give him a break after his last run. He has the size and scope for fences, and hopefully he will make a nice chaser,' said Meade. Evens favourite Ballyconnell (fifth) was already beaten when blundering badly two out, and jockey Barry Geraghty later reported that the gelding was never travelling well.
The Navan trainer was another in double form as he also landed the Tote sponsored three miles handicap hurdle with the long-time absent Clanlucky. Ross Geraghty elected to make all on the pint-sized gelding, and stayed on gamely to deny Intelligent by one and a half lengths. 'He had a bit of a leg, and I thought he might just need the run. He's only 15 hands high, but is so tough that he would probably keep going for five miles!' said Meade.
Alan Magee
