Curragh trainer James Kelly saddled his first winner when Straycat Strut overcame a disappointing recent run at Leopardstown to win the seven and a half furlong maiden. The winner finished strongly to lead close home, eventually beating 2/1 favourite Kilmore Princess by three parts of a length.
Straycat Strut was reported to have 'failed to see out the trip' on the racecard comment although Kelly stated that the colt 'ran too free in cheekpieces and never settled.' He added 'I have only had a license for about six weeks and my yard is a mix of jumpers and Flat horses.'
Michael Halford's Pharviva completed a hat-trick of hurdle wins in the TIRD Novice Hurdle under promising seven pound claimer John Ennis. The winner made all for a five length success with the remaining eight runners well spread out.
Halford later stated 'he jumps well, handles fast ground and is an ideal Summer jumper.' Describing jockey John Ennis, Halford stated 'he rides very well and I had no hesitation in giving him the ride. Hopefully that third win will get him going.'
The opening two year old maiden provided a real result for bookies with the Joe Murphy-trained Rare Cross (10/1) defeating the well backed pair Alexander Queen (5/2 into 2/1, finished third) and Desert Tigress (2/1 into 6/4 favourite, finished fourth).
Ger Lyons' Moy Joy landed the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden under Pat Cosgrave. The winner raced prominently throughout before racing clear at the furlong pole for a two length success. Lyons was absent although his brother Shane reported 'she is a nice filly and will come on a lot from that run. A lot will depend on what the handicapper does now but she will more than likely go for a handicap.'
Division one of the seven furlong (33-70) handicap went to Limerick trainer Noreen Hayes' LK's Chance. According to Hayes 'LK's Chance is in foal to Wizard King and we needed to get a win before July so we're delighted with that!'
Michael Holden's Irish Verse failed to go in foal last Spring but that proved a blessing in disguise as the daughter of Indian Ridge instead claimed the second division of the Tipperary Town And District Professionals Handicap.
Jockey Declan McDonagh.rode the winner clear from over a furlong out, eventually winning by four lengths. Holden mentioned that the mare will be aimed 'at another handicap while she is better going left handed.'
Zaydar, a recent failed gamble at Ballinrobe last Tuesday, gained some compensation when winning the two mile maiden hurdle under Paddy Flood while MV Magnier will remember The Alamo as his first winner under rules when getting the better of Craanford Mill in the two mile bumper.
Thomas Weekes.
