Joe Casey made a successful return to action at Navan on Saturday when Jacksons Gold landed a gamble in the Reindeer Handicap Hurdle. Philip Rothwell's charge, well backed from 9/2 to 3/1, stayed on well under pressure from the last to beat Reminiscer by five and a half lengths. Casey was sidelined for eight weeks after breaking his right wrist in a fall at Thurles.
James Lambe saddled his second winner since taking out a full licence just over a year ago when Tuska Ridge recorded a shock victory in the Ladbrokes Roast Turkey Handicap Hurdle. The eight-year-old gelding was prominent throughout and, after stretching clear in the straight, held on by a length and a half from Graffiti Tongue.
Lambe, who broke his neck in a fall at the Tyrella point-to-point six years ago, said, 'I have 20 horses in training, although most of them are for point-to-points. Tuska Ridge will probably run again at Down Royal on Wednesday.'
Michael Halford is enjoying his best ever year, and the Curragh trainer brought his tally under both codes to 48 when In The Forge justified good support in the Carol Maiden Hurdle. Barry Geraghty's mount led approaching two out, and drew clear to beat Canford by a comfortable six lengths.
'I will give him a break now, and he should be a better horse on good ground in the spring. The main aim will be a novice at the Fairyhouse or Punchestown Festival', said Halford.
Charlie Swan elected to force the pace on Perkys Pride in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, and the tactics proved successful as Michael Cunningham's charge made all to beat Spirit Leader by six lengths.
Alan Magee
