Moreece (nearside) and Oscar's Passion (winner) battle it out at Punchestown© Photo Healy Racing
Champion conditional Mark Enright rode out his 3Ib claim at Limerick on La Femme Blanche last Sunday and he was soon in the groove as a fully fledged pro on Oscar's Passion the 16/1 victor in the www.punchestown.com Maiden Hurdle.
Enright, only recently returned after breaking three vertebrae in his back at Kilbeggan in July, got the Harry Kelly mare home by three parts of a length from Moreece (100/1).
Oscar's Passion is owned by famous singer, Paddy Reilly, in America at present, and his son Ciaran was in attendance to see their colours carried to victory for the second time in a week after Spacious Sky's win at Navan last Sunday.
This was a real 'result' of a race for the bookmakers with the well backed The Doorman (11/8) having every chance in third whilst the 'jolly' Sure Reef went left and was very awkward when in front at the first. He managed to get rid of Ruby Walsh.
Harry Kelly said of Oscar's Passion: "She's had a few niggly problems along the way and she's another one of mine that lives out twenty four seven and it seems to be improving her.
"I thought that there might have been a few better than her but if you're not in you can't win."
Unfortunately Guns And Malt pulled up apparently very seriously injured before the third last in this contest.
The Stewards enquired into three separate incidents between the final bend and the winning post involving Is Love Alive (GB), ridden by M.P. Fogarty, placed fourth, Moreece, ridden by M.P. Burke, placed second, The Doorman, ridden by M.P. Walsh, placed third and Oscar's Passion, ridden by M.A. Enright, placed first. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards took no further action
(AM & EM)
