Dessie doubles up as locals do battle

A nose was the winning margin for the second race in succession at Kilbeggan this evening with the locally owned Stonemaster edging out the locally trained Im Cool Too in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Steeplechase.

Stonemaster carried the colours of Michael O'Leary's nearby Gigginstown House Stud (sponsors of the next race, the prestigious Midlands National), making much of the running to win under Davy Russell.

Stonemaster travelled lazily throughout the trip and, having been left clear by the fall of Eirland at the final fence, was very much all out on the run-in to hold the late surge of the Dot Love trained Im Cool Too.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes was recording a double and later said “he's (Stonemaster) won one at last! It has taken him two years to win a beginners' chase and he's just not the same horse over fences as he was over hurdles.

“He is very idle and the horse in front falling (Present Potential at halfway) didn't help as he was left out in front but Davy gave him a good strong ride. I think he's going to head to Doncaster Sales now and someone else can have some fun with him!”

Fifth placed Refused A Name was subsequently disqualified, his rider Brian Hayes having weighed in light.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee