Winning start from Joseph Conrad over flights for Elliott and Donoghue Joseph Conrad became the second winning favourite in as many races at Cork as the 85/40 chance took division one of the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle in style. Keith Donoghue did the steering for owner Jon Aisbitt and trainer Gordon Elliott and the Shirocco gelding, pulled up in a point-to-point and third in a bumper previously, beat Viscount Gort by seven and a half lengths. Always to the fore, Joseph Conrad asserted from before two out for an easy win. From the back original favourite Good Time Jonny ended up a never dangerous fourth. "It was a nice performance and was very straightforward. He jumped well, settled well in front and had a good run the last day and the form of the race was boosted with Magic Tricks winning,” said Donoghue. "He idled a little bit but did it well and is a nice horse." The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kings Halo, trained by James Daniel Dullea, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. K.C. Sexton, rider of Colman's Courage trained by A.J. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made an abnormal respiratory noise in running and was pulled up. (TW & EM)
