Kate Harrington with her mother Jessica in the background© Photo Healy Racing
Hurricane Ridge completed his hat-trick as he made virtually all to win the Tipperary Crystal Amateur Derby Handicap, scoring under Kate Harrington for her mother Jessica.
The versatile five-year-old son of Hurricane Run, who is owned by the Lakeside Racing Syndicate, won his last two over fences at Killarney and Listowel respectively.
Reverting back to the level today he opened on-course at 7/1 before being backed into 5/1 at the off.
He was ridden to assert turning in the straight and he went a few lengths clear, keeping on well inside the final furlong to hold off the late challenge of Focas Mor by half a length.
The runner-up was returned at 14/1 under Jane Mangan for Brendan Duke while Strandfield Lady completed the placings a further two and a quarter lengths back in third under Kate Kenwright for Harry Rogers at 25/1. Notable Graduate was sent off the 7/2 favourite and after getting involved in some scrimmaging with the runner-up early in the straight he eventually finished fourth under Robbie McNamara for Dermot Weld.
Jessica Harrington said afterwards: “At the beginning of the year he didn’t want to know, and since he’s jumped fences he’s turned a corner. Kate said he jumped out today and tanked. Turning in he was still tanking, and I knew he would stay going.
“I was a bit worried it was too short for him. He’s been running over two and a half miles over fences.
“He’ll probably go back over fences now and he might go to Tipperary next Sunday. He’s in great order, and has surprised me each time over fences.”
Harrington went on to talk about Lola Beaux who finished second in the Weld Park Stakes earlier: “I was delighted with her. They just didn’t go quick enough for her. She was all at sea when they had to quicken. We may put her away for the year or she could run at Dundalk.”
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident in the straight involving Notable Graduate, ridden by Mr R.P. McNamara, placed fourth, Shes No Joke ridden by Miss N. Fahey, unplaced, Focas Mor, ridden by Miss J.M. Mangan, placed second and Stoichkhov ridden by Mr F. Maguire, unplaced. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that Miss J.M.Mangan was in breach of Rule 214, in that she rode carelessly and having considered her record, suspended her for two race days.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
