Glenhaven Nugget further advertised Edward O'Grady's wealth of talent among the current band of novice hurdlers when taking the opening Ballynonty Novice Hurdle in fine style.
The seven-year-old gelding traveled well throughout under Norman Williamson, striking the front between the final two flights to beat Light On The Broom by a comfortable two lengths. The 5/4 favourite Woodys Deep Ocean could only stay on onepaced in seventh, and was later reported to have a nasal discharge. 'He appreciated the better ground, and hopefully will be a spring horse with Aintree and Fairyhouse in mind,' said O'Grady.
Rathgar Beau could also be among the Irish raiding party at Aintree after justifying favouritism in the Holycross Novice Chase. However Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy's charge nearly ruined a good round of jumping when failing to rise at the last, and Barry Geraghty did well to keep the partnership intact. 'He was jumping so well and taking off long that I decided to ask him for a big one again at the last but he put down,' said the former champion jockey.
Sheehy was delighted with the performance, apart from the blunder at the final fence, and said, 'He was entitled to win that, and may go next for a winners of two at Naas on Sunday week. Aintree is the main aim where there is a two mile novice for him.' The County Kilkenny handler had bad news of stable-companion Satco Express, who was also due to travel to Aintree for a staying novice hurdle. 'He's developed an infection in a hind leg, and we will leave him off for the rest of the season.'
Leading claimer Keith Hadnett moved onto the 24 winner mark for the season when partnering Native Ride to take the Cashel Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. Paul Roche's charge led two out, and was driven clear on the run-in to beat Criaire Princess by six lengths.
Blame The Ref, trained by Francis Flood and ridden by his son and namesake, proved an easy winner of the Cahir Handicap Hurdle. After the gelding stretched clear in the straight to beat Christysconcerto by 11 lengths, Flood senior said, 'He jumps well, and we will run him over fences next. Three miles over fences could be his job.'
Rathkenny was always prominent under John Cullen in the Fethard Handicap Hurdle, and shrugged off the challenge of Native Guide after the last to score by a length and a half. 'He's not that big, and is happier on the better ground,' said Fermoy trainer Liam O'Brien, who has seven in training and was sending out his third winner since gaining a licence a year ago.
Dishy made virtually all for Garrett Cotter in the Tattersalls Ireland EBF Mares Beginners Chase, and rallied on the run-in to deny Tarqogan Thyne by a head. 'If the ground is soft she may go for the Grade 3 mares novice chase at Limerick on March 16,' said successful trainer Dick Lalor.
Alan Magee
