Owner J.P. McManus' recently acquired That's An Idea left a big impression when easily disposing of 15 inferior rivals in the Killarney Vintners Maiden Hurdle at Killarney today.
Ridden by Mark Grant, That's An Idea went clear before the third last, eventually recording an easy eight length win. Trainer David Wachman, who received the horse at his yards only two months ago after changing ownership, reported 'we will put him away now but he will make an exciting novice hurdler later this season. He is a good galloping horse.'
Biggest smile of the day was provided by jockey Bernadette Quinn who partnered her first winner, on Scottish Minstrel in the 1m3f handicap. Nineteen year old Quinn is from Banbridge in Co Down and works for the winning trainer Frank Ennis. The winner had little difficulty beating his 14 rivals despite carrying 2lbs overweight, with Quinn riding in a tiny saddle.
Francis Flood's The Culdee was the well backed 2/1 winning favourite in the 2m6f handicap chase. Flood intends running the gelding in similar races, although he mentioned the smaller fences at Killarney helped the horse while jockey Ruby Walsh was faultless as ever.
The opening McSweeney Arms Hurdle saw a return to form for Noel Meade's Sir Oj (6/1). The son of Be My Native had disappointed at Fairyhouse in April but benefited from another fine Paul Carberry ride, before being eased close home for a two length win over Poachin Again.
Trainer Vivian Kennedy was responsible for 25/1 winner Lady Livia in the Laurels Handicap. According to Kennedy, 'I fancied her last time at Navan but she got loose before the start. She should win another race now.'
The 2m1f beginners' chase provided trainer Louis Arcdeacon with a win when his Look Between Us. The 12/1 winner left his previous poor run at Clonmel well behind here, although he needed all of David Casey's strength to beat off Larkhill Jo by a head in a tight battle from the last.
Archdeacon later commented 'it was great to win here because we could find nothing wrong with after Clonmel. He never got into the race that day although David (Casey) was confident he would improve.'
Pat Carey's newcomer Liscoa landed the concluding Median Auction Maiden under jockey Pat Smullen. The winner is a half-sister to Listed winner Spencer's Wood.
Thomas Weekes.
