Plenty to work on for Benemeade A lovely jump over the last got Benemeade’s head in front at Roscommon and Davy Condon drove him out to the line to justify 11/10 favouritism in the two and a half mile novice hurdle. It had been far from plain sailing in the race though as trainer Noel Meade said: “He never travelled and Davy was never comfortable or happy on him. “He said he didn’t do anything well today, but it’s not too bad to win when things don’t go right. We’ll paddle along with him for the summer. He goes on that ground.” A sweeping run round the outside coming to three out took Ourbeautifuldream into the lead and the King’s Theatre mare looked to have stolen a bit of a march on her six rivals. However, Benemeade was responding to Condon’s urgings and the pair were on terms at the last and saw their rival off on the run-in for a half length success. Ourbeautifuldream was a springer in the market from 8/1 to 11/2 as punters got a place return on their bets. It was a further three and a quarter lengths back to Banana Flambe in third. Shamar, the favourite in the morning papers, was a notable non-runner for Willie Mullins due to having a temperature. Benemeade was following up on a win in a two and a half mile maiden hurdle at Wexford in June. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
