Railway Hurricane just leads his rivals over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Railway Hurricane provided Conor Stone-Walsh with his second feature race success in as many days, as he claimed the Micheal O’Murchadha Memorial Handicap Chase.
Second to Mousey Brown when last seen at Punchestown, the Gavin Cromwell-trained nine-year-old was sent off a 7/1 chance this afternoon.
Given a patient ride, the Perugino bay took closer order from five out and was poised to challenge behind the leaders on the approach to the straight.
A bit short of room and switched off the inner on the run to the last, he soon improved into a narrow lead and kept on best when ridden on the run-in, going on to prevail by two-and-a-quarter lengths.
Down the field on his most recent start at Cheltenham in March, Flash De Touzaine (28/1) filled the runner-up spot under Sean O’Keeffe for Liz Doyle, while The Short Go was another length-and-three-quarters back in third.
The latter was sent off a well-backed favourite under Jordan Gainford and was returned at 3/1 from 10s in early shows.
"That’s great, a massive thanks to Gavin Cromwell, the owners and my agent Gary Cribbin,” the winning rider, who landed the Midlands National at Kilbeggan yesterday evening, commented.
"He just needs everything to go right for him but he is a great money spinner for the lads, he is always paying his way. He stuck it out well to the line.
“I got a flyer of a start over jumps and it was only going to go one way then, it went quiet for a while. I was still getting plenty of rides, gaining plenty of experience. I must say a massive thanks to Robbie Power as well, he has helped me plenty.
“We have very special pony racing (Taghmon) in here in Wexford tomorrow. Obviously, I started off pony racing and it’s great to come back and support it, so I’m looking forward to that.
"Pony racing is massive, it helps with riding style and judging a race, it helps with everything really. Obviously, it is different when you come to the track but it's a good stepping stone."
From the nearby village of Cleariestown, the 18-year-old winning pilot was recording his first success at his local course.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Tag Man trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of French Dynamite (FR), trained by M.F.Morris, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a mistake at the second last fence.
Niall Moore, rider of Good As Hell trained by Philip Fenton, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his saddle slipped.
