Having not met defeat in three racecourse outings, Thats An Idea went off 8/11 market-leader for the featured I.N.H. Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle at Thurles yesterday. Despite suffering a length and a half reverse at the hands of Sunami Storm, the David Wachman-trained six-year-old emerged with his reputation very much intact.
Running free and in front for much of the journey, indeed he ran off the bend going out on to the final circuit, the son of Arctic Lord couldnt raise his effort when Ruby Walsh and Sunami Storm arrived with a strong run from the last.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins praised Walsh for 'a terrific ride,' before adding 'he (Walsh) said shell be a hell of a mare when she goes chasing (next season).' Cashmans make the victorious Glacial Storm mare a 40/1 shot for the SunAlliance Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next March whilst Thats An Idea is 20/1 for the same event.
Billed as a match, the opening beginners chase saw Kahuna dominate proceedings in the betting ring, being backed from 4/6 to 8/15. For much of the two mile two furlong trip, the script was going to plan, Ruby Walshs mount leading five out and going clear from the third last.
However finding little on the run in, Eamonn Sheehys son of Mister Lord was caught close home and beaten a neck by the Pat Fahy-trained Sandy Owen. The result delighted the Carlow handler particularly as the 7/2 shot didnt travel as well as he can.
Fahy said of the Barry Geraghty-ridden winner, 'he beat a good horse today and there is more to come. The three mile William Neville Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas will be next.'
Frank Ennis has had to endure plenty of misfortune in recent times but his luck may have changed for the better after a success in the juvenile hurdle. Thecaulofesker led two out in the hands of Denis ORegan before staying on well for a four length victory.
Ennis lost stable star Rupununi (broke his shoulder at Naas on Saturday). His demise was the fifth equine casualty for the Curragh outfit this year. The Leopardstown Festival now beckons for the 11/2 winner.
Philip Fenton has made a lightning start to his training career and he gained victory number four in the conditions hurdle. Well-backed at morning prices, point-to-point winner Sher Beau (4s to 7/2), scored quite impressively on his racecourse debut.
Davy Russells mount got to the front after the last and triumphed by a length. Chasing will be the five-year-olds game next term. Fenton explained, 'hell have two more runs this season, but his next outing wont be until well after Christmas. Hell school before being let off and hes a grand chaser in the making.'
Berkley under Martin Ferris, led four out and was clear before the second last in the handicap chase, the Pat Verling-trained 6/1 shot beating Native Ray by a convincing eight lengths.
Tom Kidds Lord Graney (6s into 5) justified market support in the handicap hurdle for Shay Barry. Better known as a chaser, connections now plan to mix it, with the eight-year-old.
Cork restricted licence holder, Michael Doran trained his first winner under Rules when Butter Bridge (7s into 5) and Paul Tobin beat Scolboa Rainbow by two lengths in the bumper.
