The ups and downs of National Hunt racing were evident on a very cold afternoon at Thurles, where David Casey was successful on Double Bogey Blues but missed out on two further wins through injury.
Native Jack, so impressive on his hurdling debut here a fortnight ago, suffered a surprise defeat in the Matterhorn Hurdle. The seven-year-old had just been headed by Double Bogey Blues when blundering at the final flight and eventually unseating Philip Fenton. 'This is a bonus as he is a real chaser in the making,' said trainer Mouse Morris of the Celio Rufo gelding, who is owned by a syndicate including Eddie Jordan and Denis O'Brien.
However the day turned sour for Casey when he was winded after being trapped under last fence faller Jaybee-M in the Loughmore EBF Beginners Chase, and had to relinquish subsequent winning rides on Assessed and Brownie Returns.
Willie Mullins holds the Barry Geraghty-ridden Assessed, a comfortable seven length winner from Kilcash Castle in the Seskin EBF Beginners Chase, in good regard. The Drinmore Chase and the Dennys are possible targets for the seven-year-old, who received a 20/1 quote from Cashmans for the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham.
Ken Whelan took the mount on Brownie Returns, who completed a double for trainer Mouse Morris in the Thurles Handicap Chase. However the eight-year-old had luck on his side as Carrigeen Lily appeared sure to win until unseating Martin Mooney at the last.
The real possibility of no starting prices being returned came perilously close in the opening Urlingford Maiden Hurdle. Leading layer David Hyland was the first to show a complete list of prices just two minutes before the off time, and very few colleagues had followed his lead before the start.
Rathgar Beau justified favouritism under Kieran Gaule in this two miles event, heading Intelligent between the final two flights for a convincing seven lengths verdict. 'He will be kept to novice hurdles, with something around Christmas being the main aim. He tends to idle if in front for too long, and Kieran says he will stay further,' said trainer Eamon Sheehy.
Alan Magee
