Review THURLES 9TH FEB

John Joe Walsh's Island Pride has progressed very well in recent times and landed his fourth win in his last six starts under Ken Whelan, in the featured Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase at Thurles today.

Island Pride raced prominently throughout before moving through to lead entering the straight, staying on well for five length win over Over The First.

Walsh later reported 'that's his fourth win and he is entitled to go up in grade following that win. He couldn't handle the ground at Limerick over Christmas and idled a bit last time at Navan.'

On his 32nd birthday, jockey Paul Carberry partnered Augherskea to an easy win in the Devil's Bit Beginners Chase (division 1) for his boss Noel Meade.

Afterwards Meade reported 'I was actually disappointed with his run in the Arkle Chase at Leopardstown and was going to keep him as a novice for next year.'

He added 'he has had a few problems but having won there, he might find himself again, and is possibly better on better ground.'

The opening Ballynonty Maiden Hurdle went to John Murphy's Kings Wilde, a 16th winner for jockey Martin Ferris, deputising for injured Barry Geraghty (bruised his lower right arm in a fall at Down Royal yesterday).

Afterwards Murphy reported 'Kings Wilde is sometimes a bit keen but settled well there. He'll go for a novice hurdle next.'

Regarding his stable-star Newmill, Murphy reported 'he goes straight to Cheltenham for the Champion Chase without another run and is in great form.'

Trainer Liam O'Brien's horses have returned to form in recent times and his Rathkenny landed the Littleton Handicap Hurdle.

Ridden by 22yo Pierce Gallagher, Rathkenny moved through to lead at the last before staying on for a length success over Carmens Boy.

Gallagher partnered 13 winners and was apprenticed to Richard Hannon in England before returning to Ireland last April but was recording his first win over jumps.

O'Brien later praised the rider, commenting 'Pierce is a good pilot and that will give him plenty of comfidence.'

He added 'my horses were plagued by sickness all last year but are back to themselves again now; I've no immediate plans for Rathkenny.'

Liam Burke's Southern Command arrived late to win the Tipperary (Ladies Riders) Handicap Hurdle, a fourth win under rules for jockey Nadine Ford.

Burke later commented 'I gave him four runs too quickly last year and should have had my backside kicked for it! Nadine gave him a great ride.'

Trainer Henry De Bromhead was full of praise for jockey Denis O'Regan following his win on Laoch Dubh in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

De Bromhead stated 'Denis is just deadly and I am a huge fan. The horse is not easy to ride but he gets on very well with him.'

Trim based Michael Fitzsimons recorded his first win as a trainer (since receiving his license last March), when Giolla An Bhaird landed the Devil's Bit Beginners Chase (division 2).

Giolla An Bhaird raced prominently, led four out and stayed on well for a 4 1/2l win over Code Of Silence, providing jockey Roger Loughran with his 44th winner.

It was a case of 'watch out Cheltenham' for Ballytrim, who ran out a hugely impressive winner of the bumper for unstoppable combination of Willie Mullins and Katie Walsh.