The defection of Loughanelteen (lame), only detracted slightly from a decent novice hurdle at Wexford this afternoon, and the race produced a promising winner in the shape of Newmill.
Barry Geragthy partnered the Goffs Land Rover Bumper winner on this his initial outing over hurdles and the partnership ran out easy 7L winners over Definite Best. The son of Norwich had raced in second place on a strong pace before leading away from three out.
Thomas Gerard O'Leary, the winning handler now has the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle in mind at Fairyhouse next month for the 5yo. He also made the point that his charge acts equally well going left handed even though he had disappointed at Tipperary last time.
Geraghty initiated a double aboard Longford point-to-point scorer, Coogee Boy in the opener. Hitting the front after the second last, the Executive Perk gelding battled on well to fend off Team Allstar by 3/4L. Chasing is now on the agenda according to successful handler, David Ryan.
Red Or White was sent off a solid 6/4 shot for the maiden hurdle. Those who invested weren't disappointed, as Willie Mullins' charge made all the running in the hands of Shay Barry to record a 2L win over second market choice, Teo Perugo.
Nineteen-year-old, John Allen had his ninth winner when Pacific Alliance sprung a surprise in the 2m h'cap hurdle for trainer, Michael Butler.
Fellow Kilkenny handler, Michael Holden took the handicap chase with Bobabout under Johnny Cullen. Holden later completed his first racecourse double when Annshoon successfully landed a gamble in the closing beginners chase. Winning rider Shay Barry was also completing a brace.
Meanwhile at the Curragh, Pat Cosgrave stamped his authority on the race for the apprentice title with a treble. Highlight of the three was the impressive 15L success of Excalibur who was making his debut in the 1m 2f maiden.
Cosgrave has now moved three ahead of Cathy Gannon. In other news Alexander Goldrun gained reward for her consistency when landing the Listed Fillies Race. That win completed a double for Kevin Manning.
