There may be only three horses representing them with the enforced absence of Limestone Lad, but the Bowe family are never far from the winner's enclosure and it was a case of more of the same for the Kilkenny clan at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
Florida Coast appeared to have a relatively simple task in the two mile six furlong conditions hurdle and so it proved for the odds-on chance as he made virtually all on the way to an easy eleven length victory.
Michael Bowe, son of the nine-year-old's trainer James, subsequently commented 'he was entitled to win that and won't be getting any extra dessert for doing so. He's a fun horse and a chaser in the making.'
Bowe also had news on his other two active performers, stating, 'Sweet Kiln will now go for a winners bumper at Navan next Saturday and won't be going to Cheltenham whilst Solerina will have a spin after racing at Leopardstown tomorrow.'
Dantes Reef in the handicap hurdle, rivalled Florida Coast's win in terms of ease, literally cruising home under Davy Russell to credit the Tony Martin yard with a four length success. Nicely-supported in the offices early when triumphing last time in a beginners chase at Navan, it was a similar story here as the gelding found 9/4 from morning quotes of double that.
Weight problems had forced Robert Widger to quit riding as a professional, but the Waterford pilot was obviously keen to continue in the saddle and he promptly took out an amateur licence on returning home from cross-channel. Widger had enjoyed his biggest career success in the paid ranks when partnering Flagship Uberalles to victory in the Tingle Creek Chase of 2001.
Showing all the ability that had seen him ride at the highest level in Britain, Widger gained his first win on the track since taking up the amateur status by partnering Again An Again to victory in the opening beginners chase. Shane Donohoe's 8/1 shot hit the front three out on the way to recording a length success, prompting Donohoe to praise his jockey by saying 'there's none better over fences.'
Well-backed Fiery Ring made all the running in the handicap chase, John Fowler's top-weight gamely fending off all challengers from four out under Ross Geraghty before coming home a length and a half winner.
Front-running tactics also paid dividends for Kald River in the maiden hurdle, but he looked doomed to fail when headed away from the second last, after stringing the field out by setting a strong gallop.
However Tom Taaffe's charge showed commendable courage in the hands of David Casey, battling back to go clear again on the run in, with gamble of the contest, Leading Springs (7/1 - 9/2) only fifth.
Elsewhere, Steve Mahon, who saddled runner-up, Mickey Campbell there, made amends in the very next event, 33/1 shot, Master Glow coming out best in a blanket finish under Cyril Goodwin.
Adrienne Foley's mount Monty Mint drifted across the track in the closing stages of the bumper but still managed to beat odds-on favourite, Homer Wells by four lengths.
Not surprisingly the Jackpot pool of E5,259.00 was not won and will be carried over under the new system to Leopardstown tomorrow.
In other news, Sky To Sea, beaten favourite for the maiden hurdle was found to be post race lame.
