Moscow Express bounced back from a slightly disappointing effort at Down Royal when taking the Morris Oil Chase at a well-attended Clonmel.
Micko's Dream was all the rage for this Grade 2 event, and the 4/6 favourite looked set to justify the confidence when cruising into a challenging position entering the straight. However Moscow Express responded to a positive drive from Shay Barry, meeting the final two fences on a perfect stride and seeing out the two and half miles trip best on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths.
The pace-setting Ferbet Junior weakened in the straight to finish 12 lengths further back in third, while Puget Blue was put-down after breaking his near-fore on the downhill run after three out.
Winning trainer Frances Crowley is due back this evening from her honeymoon, but was represented by her sister Angela who said, 'He's as tough as old boots, and there are plenty of races for him.'
The Premier Cat, trained by Tom Cahill and ridden by his son Mark, relished a test of stamina in the three miles INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. The giant five-year-old drew clear on the downhill run after three out, and kept on well to beat Boneyarrow by 12 lengths.
'He needs a trip, and soft ground,' said Cahill senior of the half-brother to Letterlee. He added, 'He has a big frame, and should come into his own over fences.'
Bobby McNally partnered his first winner since returning last month from a spell work-riding in the USA aboard Mr Sneaky Boo in the Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle. Michael Hourigan's charge survived a mistake at the last and an enquiry into possible interference on the run-in with three quarter length runner-up Jacksons Gold.
Hourigan later completed a double in the bumper where the 6/4 favourite Beef Or Salmon drew clear inside the final quarter under Philip Fenton to beat Cailin's Perk by 15 lengths.
Alan Magee
