Father Jed and Danny Mullins race to victory in Ballinrobe's 5th event© Photo Healy Racing
Father Jed maintained the momentum from a great Listowel for John Ryan and Danny Mullins, when successful in the Brendan McNulty Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Ballinrobe.
The Galway scorer from a fortnight back, followed up in this two and a half miler, benefitting from a patient Mullins ride.
When asked to go about the job on the final circuit though, 7/2 joint favourite Father Jed wasn't found wanting, coming through from the back to head Bawnmore Lass before the last.
On the run-in, Father Jed, a five-year-old son of Kutub, kept Bawnmore Lass at bay by a length and a quarter, with a fourteen length gap back to Ballygill Princess in third.
A gamble on Oscar Chimes (9s into 5s on track) went astray as that one could manage no better than sixth place.
"He wasn't in love with that tacky ground today, he would probably go on looser ground. He is not too bad and he will win again. I'd say he will get three miles," suggested Ryan.
He added: "He was a bit outpaced early in the race and he needed every yard of it. They went plenty quick but the rest of them stopped plenty quick too.
"Danny never panicked and he said he knew at the top of the hill that he'd win. He had to hit him a belt to get him back on the bridle, but when he came back he always knew he'd win then.
"It's great for his owners who had their first winner with him the last day. Thurles is starting again soon so he might go there.
"I won't rush him out again as it was a gruelling enough race today. He is improving and he is a horse that will jump a fence. He is only a five-year-old and he is doing well.
"Danny gave him a great ride and he is an integral part of my team. He is going to be riding most of my horses. Donagh Meyler will claim off a few carrying top-weight and Tom Brett will also ride a few, but Danny will ride ninety percent of them."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Mileys Dream trained by John Long, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P.T. Enright, rider of Mileys Dream trained by John Long, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat throughout this race.
K.C. Sexton, rider of Sheworthafewpounds trained by S.J.Mahon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having been struck into during this race.
(DM & EM)
