Kevin Manning endured mixed fortunes on day one of the Killarney Festival meeting, just 24 hours after his first classic victory aboard Margarula at the Curragh.
He was again successful on a Jim Bolger-trained filly when taking the Seamus Weldon Handicap aboard Shanesia. The Erins Isle filly, upped in trip and tackling handicap company for the first time on this her seasonal debut, benefitted from a strong drive to lead inside the final furlong for a length and a half victory over Caishill. Bolger's assistant Myles Sutherland indicated afterwards that the winner may be stepped up again in distance to a mile and a half.
However Manning was unseated soon after the start in the Killarney Avenue/Munster Joinery Handicap, where Deoraoicht appeared to duck out when crossing a pathway. Happily Manning was able to walk away from the incident, and victory in this two miles and a furlong race went to The Cushman. Michael Hussey was partnering his 11th winner of the season on the dual purpose gelding, who held off the challenge of Etak by four lengths.
King's Mountain swooped late to make a winning debut in the opening Lakes EBF Maiden under a determined ride from Wayne Lordan. The David Wachman-trained juvenile, sporting the famous blue and orange colours of Michael Tabor, was under strong pressure before halfway, but responded well in the closing stages to touch off Blue Corrig on the line.
'He only started to understand what the game is about in the final furlong. He wants a trip, and should improve alot from that experience,' said Wachman.
Night Of Nights, who cost just 500 sterling at the Doncaster Sales last autumn, also led close home to take the Aghadoe Heights Hotel Handicap in the hands of Jerry O'Dwyer. 'She stays well, and should be able to win a four-year-old hurdle this year,' said trainer Philip Rothwell.
Favourite backers finally got it right in the concluding bumper, where Homebird was patiently ridden by Davy Russell to beat Share Deep by two and a half lengths.
Alan Magee
