Star of the show at Nenagh - Marlbrook© Photo Healy Racing
He had a nice winner in Festive Affair at Killeagh a couple of weeks ago and another promising five-year-old to emerge from Enda Bolger's Bruree academy was last Sunday's Nenagh scorer, Marlbrook.
When one well-placed observer on the circuit, tells you that the first winner on the day looked extra special, then it's time to sit up and take notice. The fact that the majority in attendance on the day seemed to be 'singing off the same hymn sheet' gives one added confidence that Marlbrook could indeed be out of the ordinary.
Owned by John Power, who along with his family is synonymous with the legal profession and the County Limerick Foxhounds, Marlbrook had plenty going for him on paper in advance of his debut. He was bred by Ken Parkhill, in the news recently through the exploits of Zuzka, and her half-brother, Puffin Billy.
Heading the market, the J T McNamara-ridden Marlbrook delivered in style with the quality of his performance. Always on the pace in a truly run heat, the victorious Beneficial gelding showed that he had loads left from the back of the last, going on to beat the Gigginstown and Gordon Elliott-newcomer, Rockdown, by four lengths.
Elliott got compensation in the next when Soweheard triumphed under Jamie Codd (later doubled-up on Brian Hassett's On Winsome Wings) whilst owner of Marlbrook, John Power's son Kevin, got on the score-sheet courtesy of Philip Fenton's Brighton Road in the third.
Thetalkinsover got a deserved turn under Derek O'Connor in the winners of one and Back In Front's brother, Solstice Knight was a fitting winner of the lady riders open under Evanna McCutcheon. Her family own the land here.
Owner/trainer/rider, Cathal Healy from Ballyfoyle, outside Kilkenny city, got off the mark on Lady Calta in the first split of the mares maiden.
It was again a case of career winner number one, for a jockey in the finale, as Mikey Hamill won aboard Eoin Doyle's Swanfold Wildcat.
The other winner on the day was Stephen Ryan's Major Mongo with Trevor Ryan (2nd career winner) up. (EM)
