Odds-on backers knew their fate a long way out as Moscow Express ruined his chance with a series of blunders, while Puget Blue jumped superbly in the hands of David Casey for a facile seven length verdict over No Problem. 'I have nothing specific in mind for him but he wants better ground,' said the Fethard trainer, who travelled the eight-year-old to England for his previous three runs this season including a victory at Wetherby in October.
David Casey took the riding honours at a showery Tramore yesterday when completing a near 31/1 double with Puget Blue and Burrendale Lodge.
Puget Blue took the #15,000 T.J. Carroll Chase in great fashion, making all and jumping well for a facile seven length victory over No Problem. Moscow Express, the 4/6 favourite, was let down by a number of jumping errors, and could only manage third place.
Casey earlier landed the David Flynn Construction Handicap Hurdle aboard Burrendale Lodge. The Pat Hughes-trained gelding led approaching two out for a convincing five and a half length success from Garvivonnian.
The James F Wallace & Co Chartered Accountants Maiden Hurdle was run in atrocious conditions, with victory going to the well-backed Reggae Rhythm. The odds-on favourite headed Hawadeth in the closing stages, and local trainer Henry de Bromhead commented afterwards: 'He has so much ability but is a bit of a thief. He needs an undulating track like this to keep him interested.'
Philip Rothwell emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the training ranks over the past 12 months, and he got the new year off to a good start when taking the Kent Brothers Maiden Hurdle with the front-running Runaway Jake. 'Conor (O'Dwyer) gave him a super ride. I will put him away now, and he looks the type to make a nice chaser,' said the Tinahely handler.
