Ruby Walsh warmed up for tomorrows Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup ride on Commanche Court by partnering a 20/1 double aboard the Willie Mullins-trained pair Scolardy and Jasmin D'Oudairies.
'Ruby was very good on him,' said Mullins after Scolardy was produced with a well-timed challenge by the reigning champion to beat Dont You Dare and Newhall by a neck and a head in the Cahir 3YO Maiden Hurdle. He added, 'He has always jumped well at home, and will go for a winners of one at Christmas, possibly at Limerick.'
Walsh followed up half-an-hour later aboard Jasmin D'Oudairies in the Clonoulty Maiden Hurdle. The French import drew clear before the last to beat Stashedaway by a comfortable three lengths, and Mullins said, 'He tends to pull hard, and should settle better in a better race. He'll go for a winners race at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting.'
The Walsh/Mullins alliance were fancied to complete a treble with Bassett Tiger in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Hurdle, but he was unable to peg back the front-running Murolook. The 14/1 winner, trained and ridden by Charlie Swan, stayed on well to score by five lengths, and may come back here for another hurdle next month.
Hennessy Feeds heads next for the Conyngham Cup at Punchestown on Sunday week after a hard-earned success in the Templemore Handicap Chase. The eight-year-old gelding, ridden by Willie Slattery and trained by his elder brother Andy, was scoring just ten minutes after his half-brother The Bajan Bandit at Carlisle.
Glacial Sygnet touched off Back In Thyne for the minor honours. However the placings were later reversed after a stewards enquiry into interference on the run-in, and Philip O'Brien was given a two days suspension (December 8-9) for careless riding.
Dantes Bank overcame a 20 months absence to take the EBF Beginners Chase under Kieran Gaule. The nine-year-old gelding was up with the pace throughout, and rallied well from the last to beat On The Mend by a length.
'He was out for a long time with ligament trouble, and then caught the virus after schooling at Punchestown in the autumn. He will go for something at the Limerick Christmas meeting,' said trainer Annette McMahon.
Alan Magee
