Francis Flood's Bizet is an intended runner at the Cheltenham Festival following his impressive win in the Powerstown Chase at a well attended Clonmel today.
Jockey Ruby Walsh timed his run on the 9yo son of Zaffaran to perfection, producing Bizet from off the pace to lead before the final fence, eventually winning by eight lengths from Caishill.
The winning trainer was absent but was represented by his son of the same name who mentioned 'the Jewson Handicap Chase over 2m5f at Cheltenham in March is on the agenda now and hopefully Ruby will be available to ride him.'
He added 'the three mile trip in the Thyestes Chase at Gowran might not have suited him and he has plenty of pace over a shorter trip.'
The opening Monagarriffe Mares Maiden Hurdle went to Frances Crowley's well backed 8/15 favourite (from 4/6) Brogella.
Brogella made all but appeared under pressure entering the straight when jockey Paul Carberry began driving the daughter of King's Theatre along. However, Brogella eventually had six lengths to spare at the line, with Carberry easing the mare down close home.
Crowley later reported 'she is well bred and is related to Beef Or Salmon. She'll try for some blacktype now in a Listed hurdle at Thurles on Marth 10th.'
Wexford based Michael Cullen saddled American Jennie to win the 2m4f maiden hurdle under Barry Cash.
The winner led from the fifth, jumped well and made the rest of the running although a mistake at the last failed to stop her recording an easy eleven length win. Cullen later commented 'she'll go for a winners' race now but her future lies over fences. She is better on better ground and stays well.'
Five pound claiming jockey Tom Ryan has established himself as one of Ireland's most promising jockeys and he was on board Tony Seymour's Threequarter Moon, winner of the Ballypatrick Handicap Hurdle.
Nenagh based Seymour mentioned that his 10/1 winner 'had been in season on her last few starts and we tried different tactics today We'll try for another handicap now and she goes on any ground.'
The bumper, run as the fifth race, was an eventful contest with the eventual third So Proper throwing away a winning chance by hanging badly left in the straight.
Victory went to Robbie Moran on Penny Scribe who got her head in front close home to deny Danny O'Connell's Renepogel.
The Suir (Ladies) Handicap Hurdle saw Pat Fahy and Liz Doyle combine to win with No Rows, who battled well for a six length win. According to Fahy, 'Liz's previous ride for me, Like A Daffodil at Tramore, was also a winner so we must get her again!'
Regarding No Rows, Fahy mentioned 'he took a while to find his form and never settled the last day at Fairyhouse in January.'
The concluding Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase went to Lord Graney, under a strong drive from Michael Darcy for trainer TJ Kidd.
Thomas Weekes.
