French import South West One got favourite backers off to a good start at Fairyhouse on Tuesday when landing the La Bucca Maiden Hurdle. Noel Meade's charge tracked the leaders throughout the contest before taking up the running after the second last. A good jump at the last saw the 4/5 shot go on clear to score by an impressive four lengths.
Afterwards winning jockey Dennis O Regan commented on his mounts fine display of jumping, 'He jumped brilliantly considering it was his first time over hurdles. He was a bit keen early but he will settle better in a better run race. He is nice horse and his jumping was impressive.'
Tacooma was the days most emphatic winner when bolting up by 11 lengths in the first division of the tote.ie handicap hurdle. Trained by Tony Mullins the six year old gelding relished the conditions and once hitting the front after the fourth last hurdle the 11/2 chance went clear under Davy Russell and was eased down approaching the line.
Tony Mullins revealed after the race his delight at getting this one off the mark, 'There have been little excuses with most of his runs yet he has always indicated ability to us at home. I would say we are only getting to really know him now. We will keep running him in the same company for the moment.'
Rebel Chief with champion jockey Ruby Walsh in the plate got the better of a ding dong battle with False Evidence and champion conditional Andrew Leigh in the straight to score by a short head in the Mary Wallace TD Maiden Hurdle.
The winner and 9/4 favourite trained by Ted Walsh was settled in mid division before challenging for the lead jumping the last and despite being strongly pressed was never headed on the run in. 'He seemed to like the ground, battled well and will keep going over the summer and probably run in a winners of one next,' commented winning jockey Ruby Walsh.
Hey Bob caused a 14/1 upset in the second division of the handicap hurdle under Tom Ryan. Off a weight of 10st 5lbs the gelding by Bob Back was passing the judge in front for the first time in nine attempts for trainer Joseph Murphy.
Top weight Orvietan ran a game race in second but never looked like threatening the winners six length lead. 'He is a horse I always thought had a lot of ability,' said winning trainer and owner Joseph Murphy. 'We just couldn't get him right and he was pulling hard in his races. We have him settling into the race better now and hopefully he will stay right now.
The final division went to the gallant Cannery Row under Adrian Joyce. The Pat Flynn trained Accordian gelding looked to have ran his race before the last but rallied after the final flight to collar Angels Share in the dying strides.
Penny's Bill landed the first division of the bumper to give 19 year old jockey Matthew O Connor his first success on the track. Trained by Liz Doyle the winner returned at 20/1 but was no surprise to the Wexford handler. 'I thought he would be in the first three, he is a beautiful horse and works very well at home. It is no real surprise to me.'
My Old Piano looked like mounting a strong challenge but Mags Mullins charge ran out early in the straight to leave the winner without any strong challenge on the way to a five length success.
The last race provided race goers with an exciting finish as Patriot Games game with a renewed effort to beat Promising Times in the shadows of the post. It was another father and son success as Patrick Mullins done the steering for his father Willie.
A summer campaign over hurdles is now the plan for 7/4 market leader who was giving Patrick Mullins his thirteenth career win. 'I am delighted with that and he will keep going on through the summer,' said Willie. 'He has experience over hurdles and will probably need two and a half miles.'
