An anticipated rematch between Glenduff Bridge and General Montcalm failed to materialise in the featured Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park yesterday on a day when the entire card was devoted to horses from the point-to-point fields.
Glenduff Bridge was withdrawn on veterinary advice as a market was about to form and this left the way clear for General Montcalm to run out an easy twenty five length victor. Heading the betting at 7/4, Roger Quinlan's mount led after five out and in truth those holding vouchers on the favourite had just the fences to fear from that point on.
A prod while schooling kept the six-year-old at home from Cheltenham this year according to Edward O'Grady and the Joseph O'Reilly at Fairyhouse next week is now a possibility.
Bewleys Berry was the one on many people's lips before racing and the three time 'pointing' winner had those who availed themselves of morning quotes of even money feeling very satisfied after taking the two mile two furlong bumper in the style of an exciting prospect.
The 4/9 chance travelled supremely well under Robbie Moran before showing a real degree of acceleration to power away up the straight for an eight length win. Trainer John Berry now sees Punchestown as a likely objective before the son of Shernazar goes hurdling next season and the chestnut is described as 'not for sale.'
Those who gambled on Aghawadda Supreme (20/1 into 12/1) in the opener, were reminded of a well-known saying about a fat lady singing. John Thomas McNamara's mount had this maiden hurdle in safe keeping inside the final 100 yards when drifting violently off the rail and allowing Vicars Way up his inside to prevail by half a length.
Providing his owner, former presidential candidate Derek Nally with his first winner on the track, Pat Sinnott trains the 9/2 chance and Colin Motherway, fresh from a treble at Camolin on Sunday was in the plate.
J T McNamara quickly got over that disappointment, partnering Kerrys Cross to a convincing success in the following event, the mares maiden hunters chase. This well-supported 2/1 favourite was providing former jockey, Liam Cusack with his first win from his first runner as a licensed trainer and the nine-year-old who was covered lately is a likely contender at the upcoming Festivals.
Red Setter ran a cracker in the Ladies Cup last year and Naas based Dorothy Kinirons plans to send her charge back there after the 20/1 shot had made all under J D Moore in the two and a half mile maiden hunters chase.
Brian Hassett picked up a winning 'spare' when deputising for Coleman Sweeney on First Down Jets in the three mile version of this race, Liam Burke's runner coming home six lengths in front after leading two out.
Colin Motherway is making a real name for himself in recent times and he landed a first and last race double aboard Shining Lights for Richie Rath, this one scooting home for a fourteen length success in the mares bumper.
