The Pat Fahy-trained Kirmar caused a 14/1 shock in the featured Midlands National at Kilbeggan yesterday evening. Barry Geraghty gave the Montelimar gelding a great ride throughout and sent his mount to the front at the second last. Although he was headed by Just In Debt after the last, Kirmar battled back bravely to prevail by a short head.
Farinel stayed on well for third after looking well-held leaving the back straight. Arthur Moore's horse looks shortlist material for Galway.
'He's been in such good form recently and has been working really well. He'll go for the
Plate now, this evening was only a prep race for that,' said Fahy.
Earlier, Geraghty was victorious on theTom Hogan-trained Taking Silk. It was a very brave performance from the winner as she sustained an ugly-looking flesh wound when colliding with the running rail after jumping the second last. After this unsettling incident she nonetheless battled on tenaciously to beat Fieldsofclover by two lengths.
'Her dam is a half sister to Tourist Attraction and this win will add to her paddock value. She'll make a nice chaser and hopefully the wound isn't too bad,' commented Hogan.
Amplified was a poignant winner of the Mullingar Handicap Hurdle as the Prunella Dobbs-trained gelding was under the care of late Anthony Powell until his tragic death earlier in the year. The latter's wife still has a half share in the gelding, who was given a great ride by Kieran Gaule. The Caerleon gelding had been off the track for 472 days but that proved no obstacle as he ran out a neck in front over the fast-finishing Fata Albertina.
'He was with Anthony and I've only had him for two months. It's wonderful he's won as Suzanne (Powell) still has a half share in him. Kieran gave him a great ride,' said Ms Dobbs.
Although he was out of luck in the feature Arthur Moore did land the opening Maiden Hurdle with Polly Anthus. Conor O'Dwyer rode the 5/1 shot with great confidence and victory looked assured after she cruised past the leaders turning for home.. At the line she had two-and-a-half lengths to spare over Manuka with six lengths back to Camels Cross.
'She did it well and it was good to get a winning bracket. We'll go handicapping now, although there are no firm plans,' said Moore.
Symoboli Bay recorded his third victory of the month when taking the 74-102 handicap hurdle under Norman Williamson. The 6/4 favourite led after the second last but had to battle hard to fend off Il En Reve by half a length.
Edward O'Grady reported that Symboli Bay would head to Galway for a three-mile hurdle next Saturday.
Fable's victory in the Beginners Chase ensured that Paul Carberry and Noel Meade did not leave empty-handed. The 9/2 second favourite jumped to the front at the second last and was unextended to defeat Breffni by four and a half lengths. It was his first run in the colours of the Up At Six Syndicate.
'He loves fast ground and will head to Galway,' said Meade
