Review TRALEE 5-JUN-2000

Rathkeale rider Philip O'Brien (24), who turned pro last month, opened his account in the paid ranks with a short priced double, sparked off aboard Ride The Tide in the Fenit Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tralee yesterday afternoon.

After opening very short at 4-7, the five-year-old, who chased home the useful Copernicus at Gowran Park last time, drifted in the ring to start a more generous 5-4 market leader and supporters had few anxious moments throughout the two-and-a-half mile journey before she recorded a smooth twelve length success.

The Limerick rider went on to record a bloodless victory in the Beginners Chase when Beacon Lane, also trained by his boss Charles Byrnes, made virtually all the running to slam his ten rivals at odds of 11-8.

Seven-pound claimer Jim Mansell will also have fond memories of the Bank Holiday fixture as he recorded his first victory in the saddle on his uncle, trainer John Gleeson's Raconteur in the opening Kerry Maiden Hurdle.

Whitechurch, county Cork trainer, Joe Sheahan may run his charge Persian Packer in a handicap chase at Gowran Park tomorrow after he stayed on best of all in the testing ground to head La Wind after the final fence in the Ballybeggan Racegoers Club Handicap Chase.

Racing concluded with the husband and wife team of Andrew and Aileen

Sloane -Lee combining to scoop the bumper with Maid Of Clonmore.

..