Pat Cosgrave (19) added to his growing reputation when partnering Lily Dale to a convincing victory in the West Fencing Handicap as Ballinrobe's two days fixture got underway yesterday evening.
The Banbridge apprentice, who celebrated his 19th birthday last week, always had the Kevin Prendergast-trained filly close to the pace. The race was settled in a matter of strides when Cosgrave, now on the seven winner mark for the season, pressed the button off the home turn to record a two and a half lengths success over Lorli.
Reigning champion Pat Smullen moved onto the 22 winner mark for the campaign - three behind Michael Kinane, when Golden Glow justified strong support in the Finleys Mace Maxol Maiden. Frances Crowley's charge made all in this six furlongs event, and kept on under pressure to hold the strong late challenge of newcomer Barriance.
Trimilki swooped late under Colm O'Donoghue to land the Sheridan Electric Castlebar Handicap. War Chief led the 15 runners into the short straight, and was just touched off in the closing stages by the Gerry Keane-trained mare. 'It's nice to get her head in front after a couple of second placings, and she will go back hurdling later in the year', said Keane.
Arthur Moore was full of praise for the increased prize-money on offer this year after his Hot Shots justified favouritism in the EBF Beginners Chase. 'It is not long ago that you would have to go to one of the top courses for a #10,000 race. We will keep this fellow going in handicaps over the summer', said Moore after Conor O'Dwyer's mount headed the trail-blazing Ceannairceach close home.
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