The opening Ballynonty Maiden Hurdle proved a controversial affair at Thurles yesterday, with most of the jockeys severely cautioned as to their future riding after Kerry Romance and Valleya were allowed to build up a clear lead from the start.
The pair were at least 20 lengths clear at the first flight, and had the race between them throughout with the Robbie Colgan-ridden Valleya getting on top from three out for a comfortable three and a half lengths victory. The remainder were still a distance adrift at the line. David Casey and Conor O'Dwyer's mounts were both early casualties, but the other riders were reprimanded by the stewards.
Successful trainer Jim Dreaper was represented by his wife Patricia who said, 'The plan was to jump off in front as she settles much better there. She needs soft ground and to be kept fresh, so will probably run again at Easter providing the ground is right.'
Equivocal justified good support under Casey in division two of the two and a quarter mile maiden hurdle, shrugging off the challenge of Watershed at the last for a three length success.
Watershed's rider Paul Carberry had to give up his remaining mounts with a twisted knee, and he missed out on a winner as Conor O'Dwyer deputised aboard Soundz Of Music in the handicap hurdle. 'She is usually too hard on herself but settled much better today,' said Tony Martin after his charge asserted in the straight for an easy length and a half verdict over Osiris.
Yogi was lucky to get a run in the novice handicap hurdle, and the second reserve made the most of his good fortune when leading three out under Adrian Lane to score by six lengths from Mister Kilford. 'We brought him to Jim Bolger's for a gallop this morning in preparation for a race at Naas on Sunday but got the word that he could get into this race just before working him. We were lucky as he would have already had a gallop if we stayed at home,' said trainer Tom Foley.
New Ross handler Michael Cullen is already looking forward to going chasing next season with Gerry Strange, who justified favouritism in division one of the maiden hurdle. Shay Barry's mount struck the front between the final two flights, and a fine leap at the last settled the issue for a three length win over Hits And Memories.
Alan Magee
