A crowd of 5,500 turned up for an all National Hunt card at Mallow, and Charlie Swan had a day to remember highlighted by the victory of This Is Serious in the City Life Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.
The Swan-trained seven-year-old gelding headed I Can Imagine before the last, and kept on well under David Casey to score by two and a half lengths. 'He needs to do everything on the bridle, but David gets on well with him,' said Swan who added, 'He seems to be improving, and the Thyestes at Gowran Park in January is a long term target.'
Swan trained and rode Anxious Moments to justify favouritism in the Canada Life Focus 15 INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. The 6/4 favourite, given a 20/1 quote by Cashmans for the Supreme Novices Hurdle, could make a quick reappearance in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham on Friday.
The former champion jockey later doubled up in the saddle aboard Panchovillas Gleam in the New Ireland Superior Investment Performance INH Stallion EBF Novice Hurdle. Dermot Day's charge rallied at the last to beat Tobeornotobe by one and a half lengths.
Get It Done overcame an 11 months absence to take the Eagle Star Investment EBF Beginners Chase in great style under Norman Williamson. 'He was sick after running at Navan last December, but seems to have taken well to fences. The plan is to come back here for a winners race on Thursday week (November 22), and then go for the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse,' said trainer Edward O'Grady.
O'Grady also had news on his Smurfit Champion Hurdle second favourite Ned Kelly, who is likely to bypass the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday and go straight for the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse on December 2. He said, 'On reflection, the ground was a bit softer than I anticipated when he won at Down Royal on Friday. He will be entered for the Morgiana, but is likely to go straight for the Hattons Grace.'
