Say Again proved to be the star attraction at Roscommon where last year's Galway Hurdle winner landed his maiden flat win in the Connacht Gold Maiden under Fran Berry. Paul Nolan's inmate moved through to lead over a furlong out but needed to be driven out by Berry to hold Dark Trojan by a head.
According to Nolan, Say Again will be entered in the Galway Hurdle but his most likely target is a Novice Chase at that venue.
Nolan later completed a double with Accordian Etoile in the Ballybride Maiden Hurdle. John Cullen's mount jumped to the right at the final flight but held enough in reserve to account for Oodachee by two lengths. After a stewards enquiry, no alterations were made and Nolan later stated that 'Accordian Etoile will now be left off with a novice campaign in mind later this season.'
Jockey Mick Kinane made his first racing trip west of the Shannon this year a worthwhile one when winning the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden on the David Wachman trained Dance On The Moon. Dance On The Moon (2/1 favourite), a foal from the first crop by Fasliyev, eased to the front a furlong and a half out before accounting for Brand New Beat by a length and a half.
Wachman was again on the mark when 20/1 shot Callow Lake provided nineteen year old jockey Michael Cleere with his first winner in the 0-70 1m4f Handicap. Wachman later mentioned that 'Carrow Lake is tough and genuine and he really benefitted from Micheal (Cleere)'s 10lb claim.'
Co Dublin permit holder Pat Rooney recorded his first training success with Captain Mike in the 2m4f (67-102) Handicap Hurdle. Partnered by David Evans, the blinkered Captain Mike led at the second last and won by an easy six lengths. The winner may now reappear in another handicap at the Galway Festival.
Dessie Hughes' Night Busker held the challenge of Five Alive O when winning the Elphin Novice Hurdle under Paddy Flood.
Christy Roche's Cross The Highman won the concluding bumper under Alan Crowe in the JP McManus colours. The 9/4 favourite was a big market drifter but Roche later mentioned 'i'm delighted he won because he had been working badly and this was a surprise win.'
Thomas Weekes.
