Geraghty dominant at home meeting

Barry Geraghty rode his fifth winner of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse when bringing home another horse in front for his boss, J P McManus. It was the Eddie Harty-trained Coney Island (9/1) that did the business for McManus and Geraghty in the Grade B I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final.

The handicap first-timer, coming here off the back of an effort in Grade 1 company at Leopardstown in early February, was up markedly in trip to contest this three mile test.

The Flemensfirth gelding relished the distance, never far away before getting on terms with the nicely-backed 7/1 shot Stowaway Shark at the second last.

Coney Island was then asked to go and win his race from before the final flight, which he did, to defeat his aforementioned opponent by two and three parts of a length.

Gordon Elliott supplied the third and fourth home, Jury Duty and favourite Space Cadet The latter was short of room after three out when he clipped heels and stumbled. He had his chance after though, and was eventually beaten by ten lengths in total.

"He looked a class horse when he won his maiden, and the Grade 1 possibly came a bit quick for him and maybe it was a step too far at that time of his career," suggested Harty.

"He's still a very raw horse, and the better ground helped. We stepped him up today for a good prize and he's got it well. He travelled and jumped well.

"We'll see if there is anything for him at Punchestown. If not it's a nice way to go out for the season.

"He looks a chaser in the making, and it's always nice to have a horse that can get three miles rather than one that needs three miles."

B.J. Cooper, rider of Burgas (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having gone lame in running.

R. Walsh, rider of Robin Thyme trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat and was pulled up.

J.J. Burke, rider of Dont Tell No One trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race and became detached from the other runners.

D.N. Russell, rider of Space Cadet trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount clipped heels before the turn into the straight.

The Stewards enquired into an incident before the turn into the straight involving Burgas (FR), ridden by B.J. Cooper, pulled up, Coney Island, ridden by B.J. Geraghty, placed first and Space Cadet, ridden by D.N. Russell, placed fourth, where it appeared that Space Cadet stumbled in running. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards considered the incident to be accidental in nature and took no further action.

(AM & EM)