Ground conditions have been the main talking point at Irish meetings over the past few weeks due to the unprecedented dry spell, and the problem reached a new height at Listowel on Sunday when over 50 horses were withdrawn due to firm ground.
The persistent rain throughout the day arrived too late to change the going appreciably, and jockey Tommy Treacy was rewarded for his efforts aboard
Periwinkle Lad in the featured three miles handicap hurdle. The Eric McNamara-trained gelding was driven along to keep in touch at the rear before getting going on the final circuit to beat Nan Chero by three lengths. 'He didn't take up the bit until well after halfway, but was really motoring at the finish!' said Treacy afterwards.
Pat Doyle lamented on what might have been after saddling Pro Dancer to take two miles maiden hurdle under a determined drive from Norman Williamson. The American-bred gelding was embroiled in a neck and neck battle with fellow 6/4 market leader Airolo in the straight, and the photo-finish print revealed a short-head margin. 'He was sold for 90,000 three years ago at the Newmarket Breeze Up Sale but was failed for his wind. He's now starting to pay us back, and will go chasing over the summer as he's schooled brilliantly,' said Doyle.
There was a popular success for the locally based Laune Syndicate in the beginners chase when Shade Me Shauny led two out under Paul Carberry to beat Master Badsworth by two and a half lengths. 'He missed over a year with leg trouble, and hopefully will give the lads some fun at the Kerry meetings this summer,' said trainer Michael Hourigan of the well-backed 4/1 chance.
Ruby Walsh switched from Daniels Hymn (one of 11 withdrawals) to stable-companion Hemisphere Man in division one of the three miles maiden hurdle, and Frances Crowley's charge gamely held off hot favourite Watershed by a length. 'A real summer horse who loves fast ground,' was the trainer's verdict.
The market spoke for the Charles Byrnes-trained Sraid Na Cathrach in division two, and the result was never really in doubt after the 5/2 joint favourite (from 4/1) was sent clear by Barry Geraghty on the long before two out. 'We gave him a break after Christmas to wait for faster ground, and he'll jump a fence in time,' said the Limerick handler.
Alan Magee
