Henrietta Knight made her first visit to Cork racecourse yesterday and signed copies of her new book about dual-Gold Cup hero Best Mate. It was appropriate enough then that the Knight stable jockey, Jim Culloty rode the winner of the featured, City Life Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.
Winning handler Pat Hughes wasn't present to see his always prominent 12/1 shot sprint away on the run in for a two length win after being hampered by a loose horse on the run down to the last. The former Paul Nicholls inmate was providing the winning jockey with his first win at the course.
Elsewhere, Shay Barry and Eamonn Sheehy dominated the action. Barry rode a treble (the first of his career), whilst Sheehy also trained three winners.
The duo combined in the opener. Though making his fencing debut, Satco Express looked much superior to his rivals in the opening beginners chase. Consequently sent off the 2/5 favourite, the seven-year-old came home at his leisure by twenty five lengths.
However he wasn't always convincing with his jumping, a fact connections put down to needing more 'cut' in the ground and to him being a little 'ring rusty'. The William Neville Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting is now the target for the son of Satco.
Barry combined with trainer, John Murphy in the following handicap chase. Get Smart ran out a most convincing ten length winner of this five-runner contest, and the successful handler pointed out that his charge is improving and he is expecting a fair hike in the handicap for this win.
The Waterford riders hat trick was completed in the maiden hurdle. Again taking a mount for Sheehy aboard Kahuna, the 4/6 chance proved much superior to his rivals, the six length margin being no reflection of the ease of the success.
'A great day' in the words of Sheehy's wife, Roisin ('Dusty' himself was at Navan) finished when Draw Your Gun made a winning debut under Michael Darcy in the bumper.
