Kilkenny-men were to the fore at Roscommon yesterday afternoon with Tommy Treacy stealing the show, recording a 59/1 double.
Despite One Won One missing the maiden hurdle (lame), this event still looked the most interesting event of the day. Treacy here teamed up with The Under Bidder for Al O'Connell and he gave the 6-y-o a tremendous drive to get the better of favourite, Rupununi by three parts of a length. The latter had looked sure to score in the straight.
The double was initiated in the preceding event. Pat Flynn has seen something of a revival in fortunes of late and Miss Lauren Dee helped to cement that trend with a comprehensive success in the handicap hurdle. To the fore throughout under Treacy, the result wasn't in doubt once the daughter of Montelimar went clear from two out.
Akinola couldn't live up to his billing as a short-priced favourite for the opener. Here, Shane Gorey also from the banks of the Nore recorded his second career success. Aboard Dancing Colours, for his boss, Dermot Weld, the eighteen-year-old's mount stayed on well in the latter stages for a one and a half length success.
Favourite backers though were back in the groove after the mile and a half maiden. After a promising debut, Kassabat attracted market support at even money (returned 4/5) and Fran Berry's mount ran out quite a convincing two length victor for trainer, John Oxx and owner, the Aga Khan. Following a steward's enquiry the result remained unaltered, though Berry did receive a two-day ban for careless riding.
Church House Lady's chance wasn't obvious after three undistinguished efforts in maiden company. However on her transition to a handicap in the 1m 2f event, some obviously expected better of Pat Martin's filly with 20/1 availed of (returned 14/1). Under a typically strong-drive from excellent apprentice, Sean Cleary, the three-year-old gained a neck success over top-weight, Glimmer Twin.
The beginners chase provided an exciting finale. Prodigal Son made what was to prove a crucial error at the second last. Despite rallying strongly on the run in, Johnny Cullen's mount couldn't get to favourite, Uncle Arthur. Timmy Murphy was aboard the market-leader for trainer, Michael Halford, the nine-year-old all out at the finish to record a neck success.
Indeed it proved to be a good day all round for the South East as Jidiya made a successful debut in the bumper for Waterford handler, John Kiely.
The Jackpot pool of 6,847.00 is carried over to the next meeting here (6th October) after the one unit remaining on Rupununi was narrowly denied.
