Review GALWAY 10TH SEP

An eventful day for the Jessica Harrington yard ended well after Artistic Lad overcame trouble in running to land the two miles handicap hurdle.

The victory was also a welcome return for former champion Barry Geraghty, who broke his nose and fractured a cheekbone in a fall here at the Festival meeting.

The gelding was part of a five-strong team for the Moone trainer but he took the scenic route to the west as the box driver mistakenly headed for the day's other meeting at Cork.

The error was realised at Mitchelstown, and a frantic change of course was not quick enough to get Hide The Evidence there for the first race.

However the dramatic turn of events, and a far from clear passage during the race, failed to upset Artistic Lad who got up in the closing stages to beat Mountain Snow by 1 1/4L.

There was a near farcical situation at the start with none of the ten runners willing to lead until Andrew McNamara eventually decided to jump off on Darby Wall after about 20 seconds.

'The slow pace didn't suit as he's actually a 2 1/2m horse. He seemed to get every bit of trouble going but a great leap at the last was a big help. He'll probably go to Listowel for something,' said Mrs Harrington.

The reaminder of the card was dominated by in-form trainer Charlie Swan who saddled a treble with On The Other Hand, Anno Jubilo and Gripit N Tipit.

The featured handicap chase was a real triumph for Swan with On The Other Hand (David Casey) catching front-running stablemate Bravery on the long run-in.

'He's not a natural jumper and can get a bit behind but has plenty of ability. I feel sorry for Bravery who keeps going up in the handicap but has only won one chase,' said Swan.

The Cloughjordan trainer was again on the mark in the following 2m1f novice chase where Anno Jubilo made all under Ruby Walsh to beat the staying on Dbest by 4L.

'He's a lovely big horse who has been plagued by injury in the past. We'll find a winners race for him,' said Swan.

Gripit N Tipit completed the treble with a runaway win in the bumper under Kevin Power.

Earth Magic recorded a 'long overdue win over hurdles' in the 2m maiden, always prominent and rallying on the run-in for Robbie Power to beat Western Flyer by a short-head.

'He's rated too high on 116 so we'll probably have to go the novice route, although he'll find it hard enough to win,' said Michael Bowe, who also reported that the 6yo needs good ground.

Spes Ultima and Maxi dominated the market for the opening 2m4f novice hurdle and the latter found that bit more of the pair under Andrew McNamara to score by 1/2L.

'They went a bit slow which didn't help his jumping but he loves a battle. He'll probably go for something similar in Listowel,' said Michael Hourigan junior, representing his father who was held up in traffic.

Clover Pearl overcame a four month lay-off to take the 2m4f handicap hurdle, heading Another Barrell at the last before drawing clear for Davy Russell to win by 5 1/2L.

'She doesn't take a lot of work to get fit and we were waiting for the ground as she wouldn't want it any quicker than that. She'll probably go to Listowel and may go chasing after that,' said trainer Michael Cullen.

Meanwhile at Cork, Willie Mullins equalled Swan's achievement when successful with Aura Of Calm, Euro Leader and Drumderry.

Aura Of Calm, successful at Clonmel last Wednesday, followed up with some style in the mile and three quarters handicap for lady riders.

Katie Walsh's mount led two furlongs out and was soon clear to beat River Nurey by a comfortable 4L, while Ms Walsh also teamed up with Drumderry in the bumper.

Euro Leader is not certain to bid for a repeat win in the Kerry National after beating stablemate Adamant Approach in the 2m4f hurdle.

Mullins is worried that 'it may be a big ask at the weights and there are other options for him at Listowel.'

Golden Arrow easily opened his account for the season in the mile conditions race.

Pat Smullen's mount, winner of a Listed race here last year and a creditable fifth in the American Derby at Arlington last time, settled the issue by stretching clear early in the straight for a facile 3 1/2L victory.

Alan Magee