35/1 Gowran double for Hallahan and Russell If County Cork handler Mary Louise Hallahan thought her day couldn't get any better, after the win of Toon River in the Grade B Shamrock Handicap Chase, she was wrong, as Malt Gem doubled-up for stable half-an-hour later in the Holden Plant Rentals Beginners Chase. The pair were ridden to victory at Gowran by Davy Russell. Malt Gem didn't convince at the final fence, but from the fourth last home he'd generally been better, than the well-backed favourite, Asitsohappens. The latter 'missed' the last too, but he had every chance on the run-in and in the end Malt Gem (11s into 8s) was a length and three parts to the good. They were a length and a half ahead of Romantic Fashion in third. After completing her first double, Miss Hallahan remarked: "He's been a bit disappointing but has always showed potential. He missed one or two but things just seemed to happen right today. It's great to get the win and get his confidence up." Thankfully Ger Fox was reportedly fine after his nasty looking spill from Ravished at the third last. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Upazo (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost a shoe in running but otherwise post race normal. (AM & EM)
