Robert Osborne saddled his first winner when Intensity captured the Sean Barrett Bloodstock Insurance Handicap at Tipperary yesterday evening.
Osborne, son of former trainer Paddy, got off the mark when John Murtagh produced the five-year-old gelding to lead well inside the final furlong for a three quarters of a length margin over the staying on Citizen Edward. 'I have six in training at the moment, but would have about double that amount in over the winter. Intensity should make a nice hurdler in time', said a delighted Osborne afterwards.
Dorans Pride is still on course for the two and a half miles Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting next week after keeping on well in the straight to take sixth place in the Tipperary Town And District Traders Handicap. The Niall McCullagh-ridden Pakiefromathleague just held on by the minimum margin from Star Defector in this mile and three quarters event.
Sticky Sweetheart provided trainer Owen Weldon with his first winner of the season when prominent throughout to take the five furlongs Dundrum Handicap. Catherine Gannon's mount, 25/1 but paid a massive #371.80 for a win on the Tote, just held on in a blanket finish from Caffrey's Gold.
'That's my first runner of the season, and she should improve from that', said Weldon, who has seven in training.
The judge, Brendan Sheridan, was kept busy on the evening with a number of close finishes including the victory of Shallee in division one of the T.I.R.D. Handicap Hurdle. Charles Byrnes' charge rallied in the final strides to just touch off Scallybuck.
Ardera was backed (evens to 1/2) as if defeat was out of the question in the opening Tipperary Town EBF Fillies Maiden, but was unable to trouble the principals in the straight as Daneleta stretched clear for Kevin Manning to beat Molly Ellen by four lengths.
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