Eight Flat races failed to attract any sort of crowd at Gowran Park today where riding honours went to both Seamus Heffernan and Mick Kinane, who each recorded trebles.
However, Heffernan's hat-trick was a poignant one, following the sudden death of his father last night.
The Co.Kilkenny based rider opened his account on Kevin Prendergast's Park Drive in the two year old maiden.
The winner looked held by Inspector Powell until Cathy Gannon's mount relinquished his lead in the final 50 yards.
Prendergast later stated 'Park Drive ran well at Leopardstown on his debut but he benefited from first time blinkers here.'
Heffernan again denied Gannon a win in the division one of the Kilkenny Handicap, when completing a double on Eddie Lynam's Youngblood. Youngblood was forced his mount to the front in the final strides to deny Peineve by a short head.
Indeed Lynam and Heffernan combined to land the second division of the race with easy winner Badger Kennedy. According to Lynam, the six length winner 'won the easier division of the race but looks to have won too far!'
Mick Kinane is now just one short of another century of winners after partnering Butterfly Blue, Avec Plaisir and Athlumney Lad to win the final three races.
Aidan O'Brien's well bred Butterfly Blue finally lost her maiden status in the Gowran Maiden. The winner was taking a step back to maiden company after competing in some top class races.
Connections of Avec Plaisir have Kinane to thank for a highly successful season, after Francis Flood's filly added the 1m1f handicap to her three previous successes under Kinane.
Kinane's final winner was gained on Noel Meade's Athlumney Lad in the concluding 1m4f handicap.
Armanatta benefited from a five month break when winning the Thomastown Nursery Handicap under a well timed challenge from jockey Kevin Manning. Trainer Jim Bolger reported 'she was weak earlier in the year and we gave her some time off. She can go on any ground.'
Promising apprentice Rory Cleary rode his second winner when partnering Ger Lyons' Mango Catcher to win the opening seven furlong handicap. The winner made virtually all, with the Athlone-born rider riding the gelding out in the final furlong for a four and a half lengths success.
Thomas Weekes.
