Frozen Groom got his chasing career off to a bright start when putting in a fine round of jumping to justify favouritism at a windswept Punchestown yesterday.
The Noel Meade-trained gelding made most in the Punchestown Year 2000 Novice Chase, and was particularly impressive when gaining lengths at the two fences approaching the straight. Paul Carberry could afford to ease the five-year-old right down for a comfortable nine length success over Regency Rake. 'He has schooled like lightning and, as he was struggling to get two miles over hurdles, we decided he might see in out better over fences,' said Meade, who added: 'He will probably go now for the Baileys Arkle Challenge Cup at Leopardstown on January 23.'
However Carberry is still ten adrift of Barry Geraghty in the National Hunt jockeys championship after the latter moved onto the 48 winner mark when Eddie recorded a fortunate victory in the Barrettstown Beginners Chase. Carjune looked set to score in this three mile event when falling at the penultimate fence, and Eddie was left to come home a distance clear after close challengers Gill's Honey and Unforgotten Star both fell at the last.
There was also drama in the other chase on the card - the Carrick Hill Handicap Chase - with the whole complexion of the race changing at the second last. Carrigeen Lily was left clear after this fence when Section Seven fell and badly hampered the Conor O'Dwyer-ridden Lord Of The Dance. O'Dwyer was lucky to escape injury when his mount fell heavily at the last, and the Wexford rider was trapped under the gelding for some time.
The O'Dwyer/Arthur Moore combination had earlier made a winning start to the afternoon when Glenelly Gale drew clear on the home turn to beat Kings Valley by a cosy seven lengths in the Carnalway Maiden Hurdle.
