Those racing at Tralee yesterday will seldom have seen a more remarkable incident than occurred in the opening 7f maiden.
Mick Kinane partnered the Ballydoyle newcomer, Amalie Bay and he was expected to make a winning debut at odds of 2/5. All was going to plan when the son of Danehill struck on in the straight and soon went clear.
However, well inside the final furlong, the two-year-old effectively pulled himself up. Though getting into stride again, the momentum lost couldn't be regained and Almost Forever came flying through for a short head win in the colours of Robert Sangster for trainer, David Wachman and rider Seamie Heffernan.
It looked likely that Wachman would double his score in the premier nursery when Castledale appeared to have secured a race winning lead in the straight. Kinane who this time teamed up with the Tipperary handler couldn't keep his mount going for long enough though and Chestnut Gallinule came with a storming late run to prevail by a neck for rider, Declan McDonagh and trainer, Kevin Prendergast.
Feature event of the day, the Guinness Gold Cup saw Paul Nolan record his most significant success on the level to date. The Wexford handler is of course well established among the jumping ranks and indeed that is what Cloone River was bred to do.
However, dam Grangemills has obviously imparted some of her speed to her son. Tadgh O'Shea gave the seven-year-old a good drive to prevail by half a length over top-weight, Mutakarrim. Nolan suggested his charge would now have a break and would make a lovely chaser in time.
A real old-fashioned 'touch' was landed in the apprentice handicap. Despite competing from a mark 11Ibs 'wrong', Victory Craft was supported from 20/1 down to 9/1. Rachel Costello was employed to steer and the combination made all to record a three parts of a length win. This was the six-year-old's twenty first outing on the level but his first since joining Newcastle West permit holder, Thomas Walker.
Robbie Burke had a day to remember on Wednesday when successful aboard Latino Magic and he continued his good spell on Viva La Diva in the fillies handicap. The daughter of Danetime triumphed by a length and a half and the result was welcomed by many of the layers as gambled-on favourite, Tropical Lady (6s to 3s) could do no better than sixth.
