Dermot Hogan trained his first, and probably his last, winner when Persian Isle took the Nenagh Hurdle at a showery Clonmel yesterday evening.
Hogan has decided to relinquish his licence and return to the John Oxx stable, where he is a valued work-rider at the Currabeg yard. Former rider Pat Morris is taking out a licence next week to train 17 horses, including Persian Isle, at Hogan's Curragh stables.
Jimmy Mangan has the Galway Hurdle as the principal summer target for Ajar, who opened his account under Flat rules when leading a furlong out under Paul Carberry to take the opening Clonmel Maiden. 'We will probably go next for a Flat handicap but the Galway Hurdle is the main target,' said the Mallow trainer.
Charlie Swan maintained his good recent run when saddling Sparkey Smith to take the Tipperary Handicap Chase under David Casey. The topweight benefitted from falls by the challenging favourite Donickmore two out and Little-K at the last.
Liam Keniry was suspended for two days (June 3-4) for careless riding aboard River Hopper in the Knockmealdown Handicap. Victory here went to the Niall McCullagh-ridden She's Wonderful, who held on by a fast-diminishing head from Spirit Dancer.
