Tadhg O'Shea and Michael Grassick both recorded doubles on day two of the Killarney Festival meeting, where punters found little to cheer about after a number of shock results.
Dyrick Daybreak lined up alongside her half-brother Dalian Dawn as an unconsidered 33/1 chance in the River Rock Race, and she appeared set for a creditable second placing as 9/4 favourite Really traveled smoothly to dispute the lead in the straight. However the latter found disappointingly little and hung left when asked for an effort as the Tadhg O'Shea-ridden outsider stayed on strongly to score by a length and a half.
'That's a big surprise and a nice one. The plan was to go over hurdles with her but we may have to think again now,' said trainer David Kiely.
O'Shea completed a 305/1 double half-an-hour later when Little Rort readily landed the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Claiming Race, stretching clear in the final furlong to beat Celtic Blaze by six lengths. 'He ran well in the Punchestown maiden last year that High Chaparral finished second in, but has been disappointing since. We tried everything with him, and fitted blinkers and a tongue tie today,' said trainer Michael Grassick.
Grassick initiated his double on the afternoon when saddling Embassy Belle to take division one of the Whitegates Hotel Handicap. The Marju filly led two furlongs out, and drew clear in the closing stages under Niall McCullagh for an easy two length verdict over Gallileo Strike. 'Niall said she didn't enjoy the tacky ground down the back of the track, and only really strode out on the better ground in the straight,' said the Curragh handler.
Muskerry Princess surprised connections when making a winning debut in the EBF Fillies Maiden, with the 16/1 chance paying a massive 66.80 for a win on the Tote. Wayne Lordan's mount challenged early in the straight, and just held the late surge of well-backed favourite Hasina, who had to be switched right around a wall of horses inside the final furlong to gain some daylight.
'She has done plenty at home, but I certainly didn't expect her to win today,' said trainer Thomond O'Mara before adding, 'I think she is probably better over a shorter trip.'
Gordon Power partnered his sixth winner of the season when Quick Date got up in the final stride to deny Rachael's Delight in division two of the Whitegates Hotel Handicap.
Alan Magee
