Rush Brook bounced back to form with a stylish success in the Listed Carlsberg Ruby Stakes at Tralee this evening. David Wachman's gelding has been struggling with big weights in handicaps of late, but found little difficulty with this step up in class, picking off long-time leader Tushna inside the final furlong.
'He loves the mud - that was the key today', said the trainer. 'We'll now have a look at the Cambridgeshire, and possibly a Group 3 in France later on', he added.
The finish to the #17,000 EBF Nursery was dominated by outsiders Tobiana and Scolardy, with the latter hanging on by a neck for Eddie Ahern and Willie Mullins.
Harlenog was given an enterprising ride by Gordon Power to land the 7f handicap. The filly poached a decisive advantage before the turn-in, which she maintained to the line for a three length success over the fast-finishing Irish Lady.
Brief Dance (9/2 - 2/1f) landed a nice touch for the Pat Hughes stable in the 1m3f maiden, overcoming trouble in running to collar Handsome Bop close home. 'He stays well and relishes soft ground, and will probably go hurdling eventually' opined the trainer.
Favourite Sparkling Gold came with a wet sail in the murky conditions to claim the maiden hurdle going away for new owner Michael Cashman. John Kiely's gelding was some fifteen lengths in arrears of leader Killaloe entering the straight, but fairly sprouted wings from the last for an unlikely victory.
This gave 16 lucky jackpot punters a winning dividend of #1275.40.
Due to problems at the stalls which resulted in a false start, the opening two year-old maiden had to be started by flag. Con Collins' Right Honourable proved to be the main beneficiary, breaking well and making every yard of the running to score by 3 1/2 lengths.
The concluding handicap hurdle was run in near-darkness, with Shared Account emerging from the gloom for quite a comfortable win.
