Charlie Swan moved onto the 19 winner mark for the season after partnered the opening two hurdle winners, Tate Tirol and Bob What, at Fairyhouse yesterday afternoon, writes Alan Magee.
Swan was successful in his dual role of rider and trainer with Tate Tirol in the juvenile maiden hurdle, making most of the running for a two length victory over Twokay. 'He was a bit keen but is very quick over the hurdles,' said the Cloughjordan handler.
Paul Hourigan was given a five day suspension, and ordered to forfeit his riding fee, after the stewards adjudged that he made insufficient effort aboard the Michael Halford-trained Wild Dolphin (finished 14th) in this 22 runner event.
Bob What readily justified odds-on support in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle, drawing clear after two out to beat Alstoe by a comfortable six lengths. 'He will go for a two and a half mile novice at Listowel next week, and hopefully the ground will not be as soft as it was there last year,' said veteran trainer Paddy Mullins.
Last season's champion claimer Philip Carberry recorded his first win at his local track when Cooper Island gained a hard-earned victory in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle. 'He didn't enjoy the ground as firm as that, and will go for a staying handicap (Flat or hurdles) at Listowel,' said trainer Pat Hughes.
Pat Smullen is now seven clear of John Murtagh at the head of the Flat riders table after recording his 63rd win of the season when Mutakarrim defied topweight with some style in the mile and a half handicap. The Dermot Weld-trained colt led before halfway, and stretched clear from the furlong pole to beat Diaz by five and a half lengths. 'He's a much improved colt, and Pat gave him a good, positive ride,' said the winning trainer's son, Mark.
The Smullen/Weld combination were also faniced to take the nine furlong maiden with Among Equals (1/1 to 4/6) but the son of Sadler's Wells was headed 100 yards out and beaten half a length by the Eddie Ahern-ridden Golden Hop.
Stephen Craine also picked up a five day ban for insufficient effort after finishing tenth aboard the Tony Martin-trained My Delilah.
St Moritz could be on the agenda over the winter for Dunedin Rascal who quickened clear under Wayne Lordan inside the final furlong to take the six furlong maiden.
Dick Brabazon, son of the legendary rider Aubrey, saddled his first winner when Fortune Play caused a 33/1 shock under Edgar Byrne in the bumper. 'I rode Sweet Thunder to win this race seven years ago,' said the delighted Curragh permit-holder afterwards.
Alan Magee (Irish Racing Services)
