Arthur Moore's Ballynattin Buck landed the feature event, the Listed Bettyville Handicap Chase, at Wexford today in a common canter, completing a fortunate double for jockey Tommy Treacy.
Both Treacy's winners were intended mount's of David Casey who sustained a double compound fracture of his tibia and fibula in an earlier race. His second win, on Ballynattin Buck, was gained very easily with the 111 rated horse leading after the third last before proving far too strong for his rivals, eventually easing to a seven length win.
Moore described the winner as 'a horse who has taken a while to come to himself. He has learned to relax and sees to get three miles well. He should progress but we have no plans from here.'
Treacy's earlier winner was on Philip Rothwell's Paumafi in the Shelmalier Handicap Hurdle. The XXL Syndicate swelled the winner's enclosure following the win of their gelding who defied top weight under Mark Walsh. Winning trainer Andrew Lee described the winner as 'a consistent sort who has been knocking on the door a few times. He'll go for something similar now.'
The opening 4yo maiden hurdle went to Noel Meade's Open Range, under Paul Carberry. The 13/8 favourite battled gamely when joined briefly by runner-up Savitha at the last but stayed on well for a length success.
Philip Fenton's training career is taking off where his successful amateur riding career left off and saddled his third winner, with newcomer Simon in the Slaney Novice Hurdle.
The former point to point winner is from the family of 1983 Champion Hurdle winner Gaye Brief and was bred by his owner Mrs Mercy Rimell. Fenton describing the winner, said 'he is a five year old but has grown over the Summer. We'll try to find a two and a half mile winners' race over Christmas now.'
Liam Burke's Nolans Pride arrived late to overturn 5/4 favourite Waterlilly, causing a 16/1 upset in the Vinegar Hill Mares' Beginners Chase while Aidan Fitzgerald deserved a medal for winning on Russian Buck, who ran around badly on the run-in, in the concluding bumper.
Thomas Weekes.
