David Halley stole the limelight on day one of the Limerick Bank Holiday fixture when successful on his first ride as newcomer Kald River easilly landed the valuable Kevin McManus Bookmaker Champion Flat Race.
Halley (16), whose father John is renouned as the vet for Aidan O'Brien's string at Ballydoyle and in whose colours the Pat Doyle-trained gelding ran, sent the four-year-old to the front over half a mile out to beat Candy Girl by 12 lengths.
Be My Belle failed to live up to expectations in the featured Dawn Run EBF Mares Novice Chase, with rider Barry Geraghty later reporting that the ground (officially soft) was not testing enough for Sean Treacy's charge. Princess Symphony asserted between the final two fences in the straight for a 14 length victory, and trainer Eamonn Sheehy said, 'I have no real plan but she may go to Aintree for a three mile novice.'
Davy Russell made a fleeting visit from Britain worthwhile when recording a double aboard Dusseldorf and Sir Ryco. Dusseldorf readily landed the opening two miles maiden hurdle going clear after three out to beat Seagull Eile by seven lengths, and trainer Austin Leahy said, 'I bred her and also have three half-brothers at home. Credit to Davy as he has lovely hands, and got her to settle and jump well.' Mark Madden was found guilty of making insufficient effort on eighth placed Arachine, and was suspended for three days (26, 29 & 30 March).
Russell had to work harder on Sir Ryco in the three miles Mullins Electrical Handicap Hurdle, but Danny O'Connell's charge stayed on gamely for a two lengths verdict over Amandas Princess. 'The blinkers helped him to concentrate, and I was happy he would stay this trip after running well over two and a half miles at Thurles last time. Davy said he would jump a fence no bother,' said O'Connell.
Tom Taaffe is considering a trip to Aintree next month with Emotional Moment after his prominent showing in the Coral Cup. 'He had the run of the race but probably hit the front too soon,' said Taaffe, who also reports Supreme Novices' Hurdle second Kicking King in good form. 'He definitely goes chasing, and will not run again this season.'
The Co.Kildare handler was speaking after Solar System had justified odds-on support in the Limerick Easter Homes And Garden Exhibition Maiden Hurdle. 'His handicapping experience was what won it for him. He's a big, raw horse and a staying chaser in the making.'
Glenelly Gale and Fiery Ring dominated the Mellon Stud Environment Friend Handicap Chase, and Conor O'Dwyer's mount found a bit extra on the run-in to touch off his front-running rival by a neck.
Meanwhile at Punchestown, Papillon's participation in the Martell Cognac Grand National is in the balance after a disappointing run over hurdles. Ted Walsh said, 'I will leave it until during the week before finally deciding on the National.' Monty's Pass is 'still on target for Aintree' after finishing a remote fourth behind the heavily backed odds-on chance Fota Island in the novice hurdle.
