Uncle Pat and Paul Townend head Ballysax Hank and Kieren Buckley© Photo Healy Racing
After reversals for their market leaders in the previous two heats there was to be no third time unlucky for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend as they took the Dairygold Maiden Hurdle at Listowel through the Corbett and Clancy owned Uncle Pat
Closutton's Paggane and Straight Home had to settle for silver medals in the previous two heats and in this fourth contest of the session, a staying event, Uncle Pat shared favouritism with Henry de Bromhead's Jasko Des Dames
That fellow had to settle for a well-held third whilst up front Uncle Pat (7/4) was tidier over the closing couple of hurdles than the pace-setting Ballysax Hank and that partly enabled him to eventually prevail by two and a quarter lengths.
"We went a good gallop, he is progressing away and we are learning about him and he is growing up. He stays well, jumps brilliantly and will jump a fence," stated Townend.
"He is maturing and I think he will stay improving away."
J.C. Gainford, rider of Tell Me Again trained by Paul John Gilligan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. This was subsequently confirmed by the IHRB Veterinary Officer that Tell Me Again had blood from his right nostril.
K.C. Sexton, rider of Cutherloose trained by James Andrew Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had a coming together at the hurdle after the stands.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident at the hurdle after the stands involving Isthereonemoreinme ridden by G. Brouder, Niosfearabolt ridden by G.P. Brouder, and Cutherloose, ridden by K.C. Sexton, where they had a coming together resulting in the fall of Niosfearabolt and Isthereonemoreinme being brought down. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
(TW & EM)
