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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

First time cheekpieces have the desired effect on Barry Lydon

Wed 28th Aug 2024, 18:15

Barry Lydon and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victoryBarry Lydon and JJ Slevin pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

The well-backed Barry Lydon registered his first win since his debut success at Punchestown last summer, as he readily accounted for his rivals in the Bective Stud Tea Rooms & Apartments Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle.

Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time and sent off an 8/1 chance (from 16s early), the Dermot McLoughlin-trained chestnut was always towards the head of affairs under JJ Slevin.

Not fluent and pushed along in second away from three out, the Fidelma Toole-owned victor disputed the lead from the next.

Gaining a narrow lead on the approach to the last, the 121-rated six-year-old was ridden clear on the run-in and came home four-lengths to the good.

After attempting to make all, Crooked Tannie (16/1) finished second under Jordan Gainford for Cian Collins, while Mister Beeton (9/1) was half-a-length away in third.

Returned the 5/1 favourite, Mount Sinai never got involved and finished a disappointing 13th.

Just eight flights were jumped in this 15-runner affair, with the two hurdles down the back omitted due to the low lying sun.

"I just tried the cheekpieces on him, he got into a bit of trouble in Galway and things didn't go well for him there," McLoughlin reflected.

"We just said to put the cheekpieces on him, maybe just to put a bit of confidence in him and sharpen him up a bit.

"JJ said he was a different horse there and stayed galloping. Jumped and travelled and he said he enjoyed himself.

"I would say he would go on a bit of softer ground too, he wouldn't be tied down to good ground.

"A nice pot to pick up at one of my local tracks."

STEWARDS REPORT

Owing to low-lying sun, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for hurdles four and five to be omitted from this race.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.