Review CORK 26TH MAR

Feature event at Cork today was the Imperial Call Chase (Listed) which went to Francis Flood's GVA Ireland.

Expertly handled by Robert Power, the seven year old tracked the leader, Ballynattin Buck, throughout before moving through to lead at the fifth last.

A spectacular jump at the next saw GVA Ireland stretch the field although Joueur D'Estruval did pose a threat at the third last, but found little and eventually finished 9l second.

Flood later reported 'he's not a big horse but has plenty of power to jump. He stays well and will be aimed at another conditions race before being given a break.'

He added 'he was entered in the Irish Grand National but was 3lbs out of the handicap so we decided to come here instead.'

Appropriately, Imperial Call's colours were carried to success during the afternoon, when Andrew Lee's Harry In A Hurry won the Property Partners Dick Barry & Son Handicap Chase.

The Lisselan Farms owned gelding was the 30th win of the season for leading conditional rider Tom Ryan.

Jockey Ruby Walsh, second on Joueur D'Estruval earlier, did make it a profitable visit to the track, when winning the Buttevant Maiden Hurdle on Willie Mullins' Asian Alliance.

The daughter of Soviet Star made all but did need to battle to see off the challenge of Shouette from the second last.

Afterwards Mullins revealed 'I thought she wouldn't handle the ground but she jumps well and she enjoyed herself in front. She has a Flat pedigree and may go back to the Flat at some stage.'

The Dermot Casey Plant Hire Handicap Hurdle went to 20/1 top weight Reminiscer, under John Allen.

The 8yo chased the leaders before moving through to lead at the third last, stayed on well from the final flight to hold Pippin's Ford by three and a half lengths.

Reminiscer had been absent from the racecourse for almost two years before last month and Foley later explained 'he broke a bone in his knee in two places and had to stand in for six months.'

Regarding his stable-star, Royal Paradise, Foley mentioned 'he had a lung infection when bursting a blood vessel at Cheltenham but he should be ready for Punchestown.'

The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Auction Maiden went to Kevin Prendergast's newcomer Ball Burst.

The daughter of Imperial Ballet was bought at Tattersalls last September for E10,000 but repayed the purchase fee with interest, landing the E13,020 first prize by three parts of a length from Michalak.

Prendergast was expected to complete a quick double in the next, but his 5/4 favourite Dawn Raid could not get past front running Lake Andre, who stayed on strongly when challenged, to win by four lengths.

Winning rider Damien Murphy (21) had previously worked for Prendergast but is currently employed by Lake Andre's trainer Declan Gillespie, who reported 'Damien gave that a fine ride and is good value for his seven pound claim.'