Racegoers were literally in the dark for most of the afternoon at the southern venue as a thick veil of fog meant only the final hurdle was visible from the stands. The seven race card got underway 15 minutes late after the stewards consulted with a number of officials including the judge (Andrew McKeever), and a group of trainers and riders.
Lisaan readily defied topweight in the featured Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle, emerging from the mist under 7lb claimer Gary Hutchinson to beat Indalo Grey by five lengths.
'The ground couldn't be soft enough for him, and he may travel over to Ascot next Saturday for another two miles handicap at the Victor Chandler Chase meeting,' said winning trainer Bill Durkan's assistant Gerry Kilfeather. He also indicated that the County Hurdle at Cheltenham could be a possible long-term objective.
Charlie Swan was part of the group who met the stewards before racing, and he wasted no time getting on the winners role when training and riding Garden Town to take the opening Mallow Hurdle. 'I made nearly all, and she battled back well when headed briefly by Jasmin D'Oudairies at the second last,' reported Swan afterwards.
Kilbyrne King also made most of the running under Denis Leahy in the two miles Excellent Choice Handicap Chase, beating An Modh Direach by a length and a half. 'All my horses have been sick for the past two months. This lad was working well, but it was hard to be confident as he also needs better ground,' said local trainer John Joe Walsh.
McKeever had to give a visual verdict for all the races standing on a trailer at the edge of the track, rather than the comfort of his box in the stands, due to the conditions.
Alan Magee
