Review TRALEE 28TH AUG

Punters sided with Vivo in the opening day feature at a sun-baked Tralee yesterday, but it was stable-companion Timber King who landed the spoils in the Patsy Byrne Handicap Hurdle.

The Christy Roche-trained topweight struck the front passing the second last flight, which was omitted due to the earlier fall of Abaco, and kept on gamely under pressure to hold the renewed effort of Sharpaten by a neck. Abaco's rider David Casey was shaken after the fall, and stood down for 24 hours by the

racecourse doctor.

Sparkling Gold got his career over fences off to a winning start when patiently ridden by Pat Crowley to take the Kerry Petroleum Arthur Blennerhassett Beginners Chase. John Kiely's charge led after two out, but jumped right at the last and drifted over to the stands rail. The seven-year-old held on by a length from Mandys Gold, and Kiely said afterwards, 'He likes that ground (good to firm), and should make into a nice chaser'.

Lord Grey put in a fine round of jumping in the hands of Paul Carberry for an easy win in the Norths Estate Agents Handicap Chase. The Dermot Kelly-trained grey was prominent throughout, and drew clear after three out for an eased down three lengths victory over Keeping The Faith.

'Good ground, two miles and a left-handed course are what he needs', said Curragh-based Kelly, who added, 'He really jumps for fun and, providing the ground if good, he will go to Listowel'.

Wild Floridian justified good support (7/1 to 5/1) in the EBF Fillies Maiden, but only by a neck after a protracted battle with Bella Bella in the straight. 'She handles soft ground, and could run again this season. She is still in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh on Sunday, but I will probably run Alluring Park there', said trainer Jim Bolger.

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