Sixteen to one shot Strong Run was the surprise winner of the featured Grade 2 Paddy & Helen Cox Memorial Newlands Chase at Naas today while jockey Barry Geraghty completed a double in the other graded races.
However Arthur Moore's Native Upmanship is now unlikely to travel to Cheltenham after disappointing when third behind Strong Run, having made a mistake five fences from home. Moore intends bypassing the two mile Champion Chase at Cheltenham in favour of a hat-trick bid in the Mumm Melling Chase at Aintree instead, reporting 'today's ground was too fast and the track and pace didn't suit him.'
Strong Run made all under Paul Carberry, eventually holding the challenges of his three rivals, headed by Native Scout. Winning trainer Noel Meade later stated 'he is a good horse at his best but he has two dodgy legs and has had terrible problems. Provided the weights are not out yet, he might go for the Grand Annual.'
Barry Geraghty opened his account on Jim Dreaper's appropriately named Jim in the Grade 2 Nas Na Riogh. Geraghty's mount made almost all to defeat Boneyarrow by two lengths but according to Dreaper, the French bred gelding is 'rated about 10lbs below the top novices and, although he holds an entry, won't go for the Sun Alliance Chase at Cheltenham.'
Geraghty's double was completed in the final Graded race of the card, the Johnstown Novice Hurdle which went to Thomas O'Leary's 1/2 favourite Newmill. The winner raced free and pulled his was to the front at the fifth last flight before recording a four and a half length success.
O'Leary later commented 'he's a real superstar and is so easy to train.' He added 'that's his final race of the season and we will school him over fences for a month before leaving him off until the Autumn when he will go novice chasing.'
The opening maiden hurdle was won in workmanlike fashion by Ted and Ruby Walsh with Windermere who benefited from the fall of challenging Dawn Invasion at the second last flight. Trainer Ted Walsh later stated 'we bought him from John Gosden's last year and he should improve from this run.'
Co Galway trainer Pat Kelly's Brave Eagle completed a notable fourth successive handicap hurdle win in the three mile handicap hurdle. Winning rider Robbie Colgan was a late replacement for the injured Philip Carberry who injured an ankle when brought down on Cal Mac in the opening race.
Jockey Robert Power partnered his first winner since December when riding Green Belt Flyer to win the Naas Supporters Handicap Hurdle for Jessica Harrington while.
James Bowe's three horse yard in Co Kilkenny is gradually attaining something of a legendary status and Sweet Kiln added to the recent list of winners when making all in customary Bowe front running style to land the bumper under Steve Ryder.
Thomas Weekes
