Cork racecourse was the latest course to boast a large crowd attendance on a day when jockey Paul Carberry was seen in form, partnering three winners.
The opening leg of Carberry's hat-trick was gained in the fourth race, where Michael O'Brien's 1/4 favourite Beechcourt lost his maiden status over hurdles. The winner was could not be opposed on form and ran out an easy winner of Ballyclough Maiden Hurdle.
Half an hour later Carberry was made to work much harder on Dermot Weld's Mutakarrim in the two mile beginners' chase. Mutakarrim's jumping was far from fluent, while also benefiting from the falls of leader Ricardo and second placed Joueur D'Estruval at the third last. He stayed on from the next to hold the late challenge of Rockspring Hero by one length.
In the next, Carberry partnered Tim Doyle's Revue to defeat 4/6 favourite Safe Deposit by three lengths in what effectively proved a match. Doyle later stated 'he jumps really well and will make a fine chaser next year.'
Conor O'Dwyer, on Take Five, edged the hard-luck story of the day in the opening Duhallow Hurdle when the horse crumpled on landing at the final flight when holding a seven length lead over eventual winner Safe Route.
O'Dwyer looked to have judged his ride on Take Five brilliantly, having opened up and maintained a clear lead throughout the race. The winner, Safe Route is trained by Willie Austin and is due to run in the Pierce Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 11, while 2/5 favourite Star Of Bethlehem faded on the run-in to finish eight lengths second.
Although O'Dwyer had the bad luck story of the day, Safe Route's jockey Larry Hurley's day took another fortunate turn when getting a spare ride on 16/1 winner Sweetie in the two mile handicap hurdle half an hour later.
The Bill Harney-trained winner made all for a seven length win and Harney later stated 'I told Larry that if she produced her best form she had a good chance. The first time blinkers worked well although lately I couldn't get a horse to finish a race never mind win one!'
Jockey Paddy Flood, who was due to partner Sweetie, was referred to the Turf Club to explain his absence.
Tumbling Dice landed the two and a half mile handicap hurdle for trainer Tom Taaffe and jockey Barry Geraghty. Taaffe later reported 'he is a tough and courageous five year old who was taking on older horses there. The experience he has already gained helped him today.'
The concluding bumper was won by 15/2 shot On The Net under Eoghan O'Grady who was completing his second win on the gelding.
Thomas Weekes
