Key Commander and Donagh Meyler© Photo Healy Racing
Donagh Meyler registered a fourth success in the last ten days when landing the Molony Cup Handicap Chase on Eoin Doyle’s Key Commander (14/1) at Thurles.
On his first outing outside of beginners company since starting a chasing career in October, the victorious five-year-old showed stamina in abundance to win this extended three miler.
He’s by Elusive Pimpernel out of a Key Of Luck mare and Key Commander is a half-brother to a dual six furlong winner but he looked very much at home in this arena. Getaday gave him most to do. However Doyle’s charge had eight lengths in hand at the line.
The winner tracked the leaders and was fourth at the halfway mark.
He made headway before two out and led travelling well entering the straight. Pushed out and keeping on well on the run-in, Meyler’s mount easily got the job done.
"It took him a few runs as his jumping was sticky but he was always a nice horse and won a good hurdle at Punchestown last year and was running to a good level of form over hurdles,” said Doyle.
"It was a good performance for his first run in a handicap and I think three miles is his trip as he is able to travel well within himself.
"We have a few options with him and it was grand to get that."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Fox Le Bel (FR), trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.
J.S. McGarvey, rider of Fox Le Bel (FR) trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the second fence and never travelled thereafter before being pulled up.
P.T. Enright, rider of Warreedy trained by Brian M. McMahon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Warreedy, trained by Brian M. McMahon, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
The Stewards requested a report from Eoin Doyle, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Key Commander, placed first, as compared with its recent run at Cork on 22nd November. Eoin Doyle reported that the previous day his charge ran novicey and made many mistakes on the very testing ground from which he was unable to recover whereas today the softer ground conditions, longer trip and steadier pace allowed his charge to get into a good rhythm all of which contributed to the improved run. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(TW & EM)
