Christy Roche issued a warning to those considering an ante-post wager on Like-A-Butterfly for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at next month's Cheltenham Festival. 'She will not run at Cheltenham if we consider the ground is too fast. There are plenty of good races at home, and it would be foolish to risk her,' said Roche.
The Curragh trainer, who confirmed that his star mare will definitely not run in the Royal & SunAlliance Novice Hurdle, was speaking after Risk Accessor had landed the featured Killinan Chase at Thurles. The seven-year-old gelding made all under Paul Moloney, and was driven out to hold favourite Masalarian by two lengths.
The point-to-point circuit has long proved a breeding ground for future National Hunt winners, and both divisions of the Ballynonty Maiden Hurdle went to former scorers between the flags.
Captain Moonlight, successful here on his debut under rules in a bumper before disappointing at the Limerick Christmas meeting, took division one of the two miles event under Willie Slattery. Thomond O'Mara's charge stretched clear off the home bend, and kept on strongly to beat Jurado Express by five lengths.
'My horses have been sick for the past six weeks, and I couldn't be confident about his chance today. He is a nice type of horse, and should make a good chaser in time,' said O'Mara.
The phrase 'looks every inch a chaser' certainly applies to Tuco, who justified strong support in division two. The giant son of Scenic was also ridden up with the pace throughout by Mark Grant, and kept on well when challenged in the straight by Hedgehunter for a two and a half lengths verdict.
'I blame myself for his previous defeat at Naas (fell when soundly beaten at the last) as he wasn't fit enough on the testing ground. He hated the ground again today, and I'll find a novice hurdle for him next,' said trainer David Wachman.
Wachman and Grant also teamed up to take the Cashel Beginners Chase with Star Of Caulry, who made most to beat Orthez by a diminishing three quarters of a length. 'He jumps and stays well, and soft ground is the key to him,' said Wachman.
Multiple point-to-point winner Instant Queen maintained her unbeaten record on the track when digging deep on the run-in to deny Ry Back in the Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase. 'She's had lots of little problems and you have to take it day by day, but the plan is to go next for the Listed mares novice at Limerick on St Patrick's Day,' said local permit-holder Mark Molloy.
Ballinrobe publican Michael Flannery was another successful permit-holder on the afternoon when Sharp Risk kept on gamely for Tom Treacy to beat Dalian Dawn by two lengths in the Tipperary Novice Handicap Hurdle.
Garvivonnian has proved a good money spinner for Ned Mitchell, and recorded his fifth win in the past 12 months when leading on the run-in under Keith Hadnett to beat Say Again by three quarters of a length in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle.
Alan Magee
