Whithworth Ben got his jumping career off to a successful start when taking the John Earley Estate Agents Property Partners Maiden Hurdle at Roscommon yesterday afternoon.
Ruby Walsh's mount, one of the leading bumper horses last season, went off an easy to back 2/1 favourite but belied any lack of confidence by striking the front approaching the final flight to beat Jurado Express by three and a half lengths. 'He was well short of being fully wound up today. He's definitely better going right-handed, and there is a race for him at Down Royal later this month,' said trainer Pat Morris.
Robert Power took over from the injured Keith Hadnett (broken jaw) aboard Best Wait in the Roscommon Oil Distributors Handicap Hurdle, and the well-backed top-weight rewarded punters by getting up close home to beat Fair And Lively by three quarters of a length. 'Robert gave her a super ride, and she may run on the Flat at Leopardstown on Saturday,' said winning trainer Tom Hogan.
Aljay benefitted from a typically confident ride by Davy Condon to land the latest leg of the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Series. The six-year-old mare was produced from off the pace in this mile and a half handicap, cruising to the front at the furlong pole before being ridden out to beat February Mountain by a length. 'The ground suited her, but this win is probably down to the pilot who used his head well,' said trainer Harry Rogers.
Ambrose Reilly was suspended for two days (September 11 & 12) for using his whip after his chance of winning or being placed had clearly gone on Up For It who finished last.
Akash made virtually all to justify odds-on support in the EBF Median Auction Maiden. The John Oxx-trained juvenile was driven out by Fran Berry, deputising for the suspended John Murtagh, to beat Milltown Prince by two lengths. 'He's a good galloping horse but a bit lazy, and so we decided to put the blinkers on him today. This seven furlongs trip is also a bit short for him,' said Oxx's assistant Jimmy O'Neill.
Champion jockey Pat Smullen was on the mark in the Red Mills Maiden aboard Musical Stage. Dermot Weld's charge headed the front-running Ciara's Delight inside the final furlong, and at the line had a length and a half to spare over the staying on Raydaniya. 'The ground has dried out well here, and it was too soft for this horse at Galway last time,' said Smullen.
Alan Magee
