Star Service returned to form with avengence at Listowel on Saturday when capturing the featured Dawn Milk Handicap Chase.
The nine-year-old gelding was always traveling well in this two and a half miles event and, despite pecking on landing after the last, kept on well for Ruby Walsh to beat Rockholm Boy by one-and-a-half lengths. 'He had a chance on his best form, and seems to like left-handed tracks,' said trainer Ted Walsh before adding, 'He's a good jumper and was entered in the Topham at Aintree, but we decided to come here instead. He may go to Killarney next month.'
Nostradamus made a winning debut in the opening Kerry Maid Maiden, leading at the furlong pole for Michael Kinane to beat Martin Gunne by a cosy two-and-a-half lengths. 'He was held up last year after pulling muscles, and the plan now is to step him up to Listed class,' reported trainer Aidan O'Brien afterwards by telephone.
Leinster Mills may head next for a fillies handicap at Navan on Saturday after leading over a furlong out under Fran Berry to beat Milton Star by half-a-length in the Dawn Fresh Cream Handicap. 'The seven furlongs was a bit short for her at the Curragh last time, and she should be suited by nine at Navan,' said trainer Pat Hughes. Colm O'Donoghue was taken to Tralee General Hospital for x-rays on his neck, skull and collarbone after being unseated from Bothar Rua early on in this race.
David Moran (19), from Templemore, partnered his second winner aboard Askthejudge in the Kerry Spring Water Apprentice Maiden, getting a nice run up the inner to lead inside the final furlong. 'The ground was a bit fast, and he probably wants a bit further. He's a fine big horse, and should make a good juvenile hurdler,' said Curragh trainer Frank Ennis.
Business Elite struck the front over a furlong out for Pat Cosgrave to land the Dawn Pure Orange Juice Handicap, while Trimaclana led virtually on the line in a three-way photo-finish to the Low Low Handicap Hurdle.
Alan Magee
