Betting suggested the Cashel Maiden Hurdle was a two horse race as 6/4 joint favourites Mississippi River and Mickelson dominated proceedings in the ring but punters were in for a shock as 40/1 shot Casa Jove came out on top.
Andrew Lynch, who had a seven day suspension for unnecessary use of the whip at Cork 11 days ago reduced to four days on appeal this morning, had further cause for cheer as his mount stayed on gamely in front.
The well-bred son of Classic Cliche, owned by local man Jer Ryan and his first horse with trainer Henry de Bromhead, failed to make the frame in two point-to-points and was well beaten on his debut under rules in the Listowel maiden hurdle won by Viaduct Joey.
Casa Jove was quite keen and made virtually all in this two mile event, although the writing looked on the wall as Mississippi River threw down a strong challenge in the straight.
However Lynch's mount had a much better attitude under pressure and kept on gamely to beat that rival by a neck, with Prince Chaparral (9/2) another three and three quarter lengths back in third. Mickelson dropped away tamely to finish seventh.
The winner paid a massive €190.40 on the Tote, and de Bromhead who was busy leading the horse afterwards commented, “Obviously we were very disappointed with him at Listowel, and we decided to drop him back in trip.”
The stewards enquired into the winner's apparant improvement in form compared to his last run at Listowel. De Bromhead said he was disappointed with the Listowel run, that the horse ran free and failed to see out the two and a half miles on very testing ground.
He added that the gelding settled much better today, and seemed to appreciate the better ground and the drop to two miles. The stewards noted the explanation.
