Jockey David Casey recorded a double at Clonmel today where the Co Waterford rider combined with trainers Pat Fahy and Eric McNamara to win two hurdle races.
Fahy's Tribal Princess landed the Clonmel Mares Hurdle in Casey's capable hands. The daughter of Namaqualand, who was always prominent and led from the fifth last, was reported by winning trainer Pat Fahy to have 'liked the ground and she will now go handicapping.'
Trainer Eric McNamara supplied Casey with his second winner, when 100/30 favourite Gold Flo showed her liking for the firm ground when winning the Kilsheelan Handicap Hurdle. McNamara, whose horses are in fine form, later commented 'I am tempted to go for a quick follow-up at Punchestown on Friday.'
The most valuable event on the card was the four runner Nore Valley Chase which went to Arthur Moore's Jurado Express. The 7/4 favourite raced at the rear before progressing to dispute the lead at the second last fence, with jockey Barry Cash riding the gelding out after a bold jump at the final fence.
Moore was not present although Cash did say 'he was feeling the ground a bit but he winged the last two fences and galloped on well from the last.'
The Lisronagh Handicap Chase went to Give Me Style, who recorded her second course win and third in all for trainer Liam Burke. According to Burke 'Give Me Style is in foal to Humbel.'
Jockey Garrett Cotter, who has the distinction of once gaining the freedom of Bartlemy town, Co. Cork, was riding his first winner of the new season.
The opening 2m4f maiden hurdle was won by Ulysses Grant, who received a fine ride from Davy Russell. Although allowed to start at 12/1, winning trainer Pat Doyle later stated 'we fancied her a lot because she needs today's good ground. She will now run over fences.'
Favourite Christmas River (2/1) was pulled up before the second last, with jockey Robbie Power reporting that the mare lost her action.
Russell received a heavy fall in the next, the Clonmel Mares Hurdle, and was stood down for the rest of the day.
Bob What finally lost his maiden status over fences in the concluding 2m2f beginners' chase.
Thomas Weekes.
