The Perth Gold Cup in June is still on the agenda for John Carr's Verchoyles Lad after the gelding landed the Thorntons Recycling Centre Handicap Chase under Davy Russell at Kilbeggan yesterday.
The winner was an easy winner at this venue earlier this month but had little difficulty overcoming a 12lb penalty here, justfying odds of 6/4 to see off his challengers by seven lengths. Carr reported 'the plan is still to go for the Perth Gold Cup although he is likely to go up another few pounds for that.'
He added 'He is still only a novice and I wouldn't risk him on today's ground again.'
The opening Kilbeggan Maiden Hurdle was won in fortunate circumstances by Chicago Vic, who benefited from the falls of three of her main rivals.
Third placed Adams Wine (5/2 favourite) fell at the fifth last, Jade Warrior (in second) slipped up after four out while Polly's Joy, well clear at the time, completed the 'what happened next' segment by falling at the third last hurdle.
Chicago Vic's twelve lengths win was providing mother-son combination of Marian and Ron Flavin with a second winner since jockey Ron returned from a spell in England.
Polly's Joy's jockey Ian Power was expected to bounce back half an hour later in the Leinster Petroleum Hurdle but partnered 2/7 favourite Deep Return into second place, having jumped to the left throughout.
The race was won by Sean Treacy's Il En Reve, with jockey Mark Grant sneaking up on the rail after another untidy jump at the last by Deep Return. Treacy later commented 'that win was long overdue but we were definitely helped by the fact that Deep Return didn't handle the track.'
He added 'Il En Reve should make an fine chaser and will be kept going on the good ground.'
The handicap hunters' chase saw a popular family win when Andrew McNamara's An Cor credited the winning trainer's son, jockey and namesake with his 14th winner.
According to the trainer the winner, who is also jointly owned by McNamara's sister Mary Murphy, will now 'mix it between handicap hurdles and chases over the summer.'
Joe Crowley's Permiya landed the Belvedere House Gardens and Park Handicap Hurdle under top claiming rider John Allen. Crowley's assistant Damian Byrne mentioned that the winner 'is likely to have a break before going to Galway.'
Stylish five pound claimer Denis O'Regan rode his first winner of the new season on Breffni Flyer in the 2m4f beginners' chase. Winning trainer Pat Martin credited Tom Buckley, head of the equine centre at Kill, with the success, stating 'Tom sent someone down to the yard to clear out a fungal problem which had been lingering for a few months.'
The concluding bumper was won by Pat Verling's Where's Eddie, under Leonard Flynn.
Thomas Weekes.
