Wexford Report (Saturday)
John Cullen consolidated his position as the leading claiming rider this season when partnering a double aboard the Paul Nolan-trained pair Park Leader and Ephony Lady at Wexford on Saturday.
Park Leader was sent on after two out to beat Blumen Archie by a length in the opening Curracloe Maiden Hurdle, and Nolan commented afterwards: 'He has suffered a lot with sore shins, and we have been afraid to run him on faster ground. He also seems to run best fresh'.
Ephony Lady completed the double half-an-hour later in the Oulart Mares Maiden Hurdle, staying on best from the home turn to beat the gambled-on Mona Day by two and a half lengths. 'John gave her a marvellous ride. She has a wind problem, and he gave her a chance to recover when she came under pressure. She's a summer mare, and will now go back handicapping', said Nolan.
Niall McCullagh also recorded a double initiated by Darasim who made hard work of justifying 2/7 favouritism in the Kilmore Quay Maiden. The John Oxx-trained colt headed stablemate Balapour off the home turn in this mile and five furlongs event but needed to be driven out to beat Nonchalant by a length and a half.
'The ground is a bit patchy, and he ran green', explained McCullagh, who added: 'He stays very well, and should make a nice handicapper in time'.
Irresistible Force, the third reserve in the two miles Blackwater Head Handicap, completed the double for McCullagh when making all to beat Trimilki by a length and a half.
Kilcock handler David Broad saddled his biggest winner to-date when Prince Of Pleasure captured the featured Micheal O'Murchadha Handicap Chase. Philip O'Brien sent the seven-year-old to the front half a mile out to beat Eton Gale by three lengths.
