Frankendael leads home his rivals under Conor McNamara © Photo Healy Racing
Trained by Eric McNamara and ridden by his son Conor, Frankendael made it third time lucky over flights in the the Bank Of Ireland Brendan Maloney Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
A dual winner on the level when trained in the UK by Ed Bethell, the Camelot bay was sixth on his debut for current connections at Listowel in June.
Since third over the course and distance last month, the five-year-old was sent off a 7/2 chance this evening.
Settled in mid-division and sixth three out, the bay victor made progress after the next and jumped the final flight in fourth.
Soon ridden on the outer, he found plenty for pressure on the run-in and got to the front inside the final 100 yards, keeping on well from there to score by three-lengths.
Sent to the front before the last, Houlanbatordechais (85/40) ultimately had to settle for second under Paul Townend for Willie Mullins, while Pampar Lady (12/1) was a length-and-a-half away in third.
Returned the 11/8 favourite, Cristal Clere wasn't fluent at times and eventually finished a disappointing fourth.
"He's a bit tricky getting to the start at times and kind of has a mind of his own," the winning rider commented.
"I was able to get a grand position. We just went a fraction quick, I felt, and I saw that Paul's horse (Townend on Houlanbatordechais) was keen. Rachael's horse (Blackmore on Cristal Cleere) jumped a few poorly and I was happy to follow her, but give her rope. Apart from that, I wasn't worried too much about what was behind me. The race just worked out well for me.
"He could go for a rated novice if one comes up, but he's definitely a good enough jumper to step straight into handicap company. He'll jump a fence too.
"The owners (the Forever Optimists Syndicate) are Killarney men and have been with us a long time. It's lovely to get another winner for them."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards granted a request from John Patrick Ryan, Trainer of Shining Silver for an additional ten minutes to present his charge for identification to an IHRB Official in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90(i).
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Houlanbatordechais (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins had struck into its off fore.
P. Townend, rider of Houlanbatordechais (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount struck into himself and did not return to the parade ring.
P.K. Donovan, rider of Kinski (FR), trained by Patrick G.Kelly, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount had pulled a shoe in running.
J. Coen, rider of Sweet Chestnut trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left throughout.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
