By Brian Fleming
The Nire Maiden Hurdle attracted one of the smallest fields for such a contest in many years at Clonmel yesterday but for former Minister Michael Lowry the outcome was the perfect tonic when his charge Phar From Tipp duly obliged in the hands of John Thomas McNamara.
Leased by the Independent TD to trainer Andrew McNamara, the opening price of even money was snapped up quickly and the former winning pointer started a warm 8/13 chance before recording a bloodless pillar to post success over market rival Sullivan's Cascade.
'It was a handy one alright and I said coming down in the car that it he didn't win this race we would be in trouble,' said Lowry, who will be hoping to watch his four-year-old gelded son of Phardante in action again at Listowel in a 2m4f handicap hurdle tomorrow week. (Sat)
Favourite backers looked all set to collect in the penultimate Munster Novice Chase when Dermot Weld's front-running Ballyconnell and Barry Geraghty appeared to have the winners purse safely in the bag, bar a fall approaching the final fence.
But it was not to be for supporters of the even money shot when he ducked left after jumping the obstacle flawlessly and unceremoniously unshipped the former champion leaving Sean McDermott to count his lucky stars aboard Manacured en route to victory.
'For some reason he just ducked on me and left me with little chance of staying on board,' said a dejected Geraghty in the weighroom afterwards.
Charlie Swan, who didn't ride in the second race as he was suffering from a stomach bug, missed out on watching African Waters open his account over fences under an inspired ride from Norman Williamson.
The 11/10 favourite looked destined to settle for the runner-up berth when Conor O'Dwyer coaxed Laurel River into a two length advantage after turning for home but with the final fence omitted Williamson conjured up a renewed effort aboard the mare to put her head in front where it mattered.
Leslie Youngs' top-weight Halfaquid completed a hat-trick by a rapidly diminishing head in the Kilcoran Handicap Hurdle while Shay Barry kept up his recent rich vein of form by taking the two mile handicap hurdle aboard 10/1 chance Majestic Mariner.
A three horse pile up at the second flight here caused the penultimate flight to be bypassed on the final circuit and resulted in Robbie Power dislocating his wrist and Philip Carberry breaking his collarbone.
