Front runner King Carew gained his tenth win at Killarney yesterday when added the E60,000 Murphys Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle to his already impressive haul under jockey Timmy Murphy.
Trainer Michael Hourigan was quick to praise King Carew, stating 'he is a wonderful horse. He was bred to win a Derby but has won plenty of Derbys for us! We'll go for a chase now while his owner is looking at running him in one of the smaller races at Royal Ascot.'
Top novice Colca Canyon arrived late under a fine drive from Robbie Power to land the 2m4f conditions chase for trainer Jessica Harrington. Owner Philip Myerscough, who also owns Best Mate's dam Katday, was on hand to greet the winner and stated 'he is very game but only got going once he closed on Risk Accessor after the last.'
The opening 2m1f maiden hurdle saw a typically stylish and confident Paul Carberry produce Nassaro with a perfectly timed challenge to win for trainer Michael Halford. Nassaro was eighth entering the straight before making rapid progress to head Vintage Port at the line. Trainer Mick Halford later commented 'Paul gave that a brilliant ride. I told him to 'drop the horse on the winning line', although I thought he had left it too late. That's why he's the jockey he is!'
Halford later completed a double with Cloneden in the Ladies Handicap. Winning jockey Louise Boswell was partnering her third winner and was described by Halford as playing 'a huge role of our team.'
Promising five pound claimer John Allen recorded a double. His first winner came on board Camptect in the 2m4f handicap hurdle, providing trainer Davy Fitzgerald with a surprise win. Fitzgerald reported 'I honestly though he hadn't much chance on the ground as he needs it soft. We were going to let him out on grass last Monday and he will definitely get a break now. He goes chasing later this season.'
Allen completed his double on Berkley in the 2m4f handicap chase. Trainer Pat Verling, who is still very much active as a jockey, has made a fine start to his new career and described Berkley as 'a fun horse who can hopefully land another race like that during the Summer.'
The concluding bumper was won by the Martin Kenirons-trained Catchthebug, who received a fine ride from Steve Ryder.
Thomas Weekes.
