Hugh O'Driscoll, who only took out a permit to train at Milford, Co Cork last month, saddled his first winner when Polish Legion landed the five furlongs Charleville Handicap.
The nine-year-old gelding struck the front inside the final furlong for Fran Berry to beat Peru Genie by a length. 'This horse was with a good friend of mine, Sean Keightley, at Newmarket but just didn't like the place. Sean and I worked together in Ben Hanbury's yard. Training is really just a hobby, and I have two horses at the moment,' said O'Driscoll, who is a qualified pilot.
Kevin Manning moved onto the 35 winner mark for the season aboard Panchita, who was always prominent in the Glantane Handicap and kept on gamely to deny Neckar Valley and Quest For Peace by a short-head and a neck. The four-year-old filly is leased by the Jack Of Trumps Racing Club, who were recording their fifth individual winner between Flat and National Hunt
'She is very small, but is the toughest filly I have ever put a saddle on' said a beaming Irene Oakes after Sun Slash readily took the juvenile auction race. Wayne Smith's mount drew clear inside the final furlong to beat Silvertine by an easy two lengths, and is likely to be aimed now at a winners auction race.
Heart Midoltian took the Mitsubishi McCarthy TV & Electrical Hurdle in fine style, travelling strongly to lead before two out and soon sent clear by Paul Carberry to beat Fey Macha by three lengths.
The former Ballydoyle inmate King Of Ireland finally opened his account in the two and three quarter miles handicap hurdle, leading between the final two flights to beat Torose by three and a half lengths. 'The good ground makes a big difference, and we may try to win a two mile Flat handicap with him,' said trainer Michael Halford.
Alan Magee
