Eklim, McDonagh Handicap hero of last year but without a win since, showed a really good battling attitude to beat Fearn Royal in the featured Listed Carlsberg Ruby Stakes at Tralee yesterday.
Coincidentally the runner-up had also occupied that position in the McDonagh of 2003, but this time she looked like she might relegate Eklim to the bridesmaid position when she challenged strongly from over a furlong out. However Declan McDonaghs mount stuck his head out in determined fashion to forge to a three parts of a length victory, winning handler Kevin Prendergast being an absentee.
Classy horses having the initial outing over fences always presents a nail-biting prospect for connections but those involved in Cloone River neednt have worried as he passed his first test with a flawless display. Mirpour, his main market rival fell at the third last when yet to be asked a question, and this was Johnny Cullens only anxious moment as he was slightly hampered aboard the 11/10 favourite.
Leading away from the second last, Paul Nolans charge wasnt in the least bit extended to dispose of Darby Wall by three lengths with a long break back to the third. Nolan was a very happy man in the aftermath saying, 'he jumped well off ground that wouldnt be ideal and maybe hed go to Galway now the week after next. We might put him away after that and please God this is the start of many good days to come.'
Disqualified when passing the post first in a Gowran maiden awarded to John Oxxs Laudable, Euphrates was expected to be given most to do by that yards Francis Drake as he attempted to put the record straight in the opening maiden.
As it turned out however the main threat was to come from Peter Caseys Bective Ranger, Aidan OBriens 2/5 chance just holding off that one by a head under Pat Cosgrave (deputising for the suspended Jamie Spencer).
Seamie Heffernan, after a hat-trick of seconds, eventually hit the target when providing Myles Sunderland with win number two of his training career, Marinnette getting off the mark in the mile and a half maiden.
Wexford-based Sunderland made the breakthrough when Jinx Johnson scored at Killarney, and trainer, rider and owner, Nicholas Teehan are connected as they all worked for Jim Bolger at the same time.
This years juvenile hurdles have been going along expected lines, with the first three going to the market-leader, but that trend stopped when 9/10 jolly, Young Elodie could only manage a well-beaten runner-up.
Second in the betting at 7/2, Urban on his jumping bow, didnt impress with his hurdling but leading from three out, Joe Crowleys gelding showed stamina in abundance to gallop to an eleven length win for Barry Geraghty.
Elsewhere Grangehill Dancer took the mile handicap, the 10/1 shot triumphing by three lengths under Tadhg OShea for Philip Rothwell.
Those who left before the last will have missed seeing a highly impressive display from Tony Mullins newcomer, LAntartique. Philip Fenton didnt need to ask the four-year-old any questions as he skated in by four lengths.
