The action at Wexford on Saturday was very low-key compared with the counter attraction of Aintree. However the eight race card did provide a welcome change of fortune for a number of riders including Donal Bromley who partnered The Fox Inn in the featured South East Fish Distributors Handicap Chase.
Bromley last entered the winners enclosure `down under' in the annual Australia-Ireland jump jockeys series last August. He sent the Noel Meade-trained gelding to the front on the final circuit, and survived a mistake at the last for a length and a half victory. 'Donal has now won on him twice. He is named after the owner's pub in Ashbourne, and will go next to Fairyhouse for a three mile handicap at the Easter Festival meeting,' said Meade.
Larry Hurley, who only returned to the saddle recently after a long-term back injury, landed the latest leg of the Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle Series aboard Bill Bishop. The Tramore rider's mount survived a mistake at the last for a length win over Barrigan's Hill, although there was a sting in the tail when trainer Tom Bergin was fined £100 for not booking a rider at the declaration stage on Friday.
Susan Finn bridged a two year gap without a winner on Breffni Flyer in the Bewleys Hotel Ladies Maiden Hurdle. The Pat Martin-trained gelding had just joined Afsana when the latter fell at the last, leaving her rider Charmaine O'Neill with a broken left wrist. Aileen SloaneLee was fined £250 by the stewards after being doubly-booked in this race.
John Cullen went one better when completing a 288/1 double in the final two events with Lotto Lolly and Ohosoholy. Lotto Lolly benefitted from the fall of leader Gill's Honey at the second last for a wide-margin victory in the Bettyville Park EBF Beginners Chase. Ohosoholy was also sent off at 16/1 in the mares bumper, and came home seven lengths clear Native Relations. The race was marred by the fatal fall of evens favourite Celtic Supreme approaching the bend after the stands, while Princess Pearl and Thobar Mhuire were also brought down in the ensuing melee.
