Co Cork trainer John Murphy looks to have a decent staying hurdle prospect on his hands following the win of his 50/1 outsider Dalvento in the Rock Of Cashel Hurdle at Thurles today.
The 6yo gelding, ridden by promising seven pound claimer Billy Callaghan, was held up before making steady progress to lead three out. At the line, Dalvento had three and a half lengths to spare over Aintree Grand National bound Hedgehunter.
Dalvento, a four times Flat winner in Germany, was reported by Murphy to have 'ran well at Punchestown on his hurdles debut despite jumping a bit green.' He added 'the horse looks a real high class staying hurdler/chaser in the making.'
Runner-up Hedgehunter, a faller at the final fence in last season's Aintree centrepiece was reported by his trainer Willie Mullins to be 'on course for Aintree although we thought he'd win here today.'
Trainer Mouse Morris and jockey Adrian Lane combined to land the Glen Chase with Baily Mist. Both The Galway Man and Glacial Moss exited too early to describe the winner as 'fortunate' and Baily Mist battled well to see off the challenge of Well Presented by two lengths.
Morris later commented 'she may go for the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas but other than that, I've no immediate plans.'
The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners' Chase was run in a thick fog, with Michael Hourigan's The Screamer emerging the winner under Paul Carberry.
Hourigan later mentioned 'she jumped the last fence like an old timer and she'll go for a mares' winners race now. It is also possible she will make use of her Flat rating of 37 and go for a race on the all-weather in England.'
Carberry doubled his score for the day on Rolling Home, who made all to win the three year old hurdle. A somewhat bemused Noel Meade, trainer, later reported 'I didn't realise he was going to make the running but Paul seems to make his own plans!'
Third placed Dujareva ran well on his debut for Shane Broderick, who celebrates his 30th birthday today.
The sun came out for Captain Moonlight's win in the second race, the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Jockey Tom Ryan made all on the Thurles course specialist, who held the challenge of Carndale to win by a length. Although a surprise winner at 16/1, a bigger shock was provided by the Thomond O'Mara trained horse, who paid 136/1 on the Tote.
Pat Fahy's Jakers gained a well deserved win for connections in the concluding Cahir Maiden Hurdle. Barry Geraghty's mount had finished second on five of his six racecourse outings, finishing third on the other run.
Thomas Weekes.
