Despite five favourites obliging at Thurles yesterday afternoon, the Jackpot rollover proved to be beyond the reach of those who invested, and E3,960 will now go forward to the next meet at the course on the 21st of this month.
David Casey was the man to side with on the track as he partnered a double. Teaming up with Emotional Moment in the first, the Waterford rider got the day off to the perfect start.
On hurdles form the six-year-old stood out in the beginners chase. Although looking a little vulnerable over the two-mile trip, the 6/4 market leader allayed such fears with a convincing eight-length win.
Already in charge when second favourite, Joueur D'Estruval fell at the last, it was left to the promising Heads Onthe Ground to fill the runner-up slot. Tom Taaffe now plans to send the winner to Limerick at Christmas for a Grade 2 event over half a mile further. The winning handler remarked 'he might lack scope but he's a clever jumper.'
Combining with Charlie Swan in the conditions hurdle, Casey completed his brace. Punters liked the look of Strong Project, forcing him from 5/2 into 5/4 and they had their faith repaid with a comprehensive twelve-length victory.
Similarly in the novice chase, Rule Supreme held solid form claims. However this time backers of the 11/10 chance had a real sweat before drawing their winnings.
Looking to hold little hope of catching clear leader, Never More approaching the straight, Ruby Walsh's mount cut into the deficit away from two out, led early on the run in and ultimately crossed the line a comfortable four and a half length winner. Successful handler, Willie Mullins remarked 'he needed the run and he'll improve.'
Walsh looked likely to make it a quick double in the next, the handicap chase. However a mistake at the last aboard well-supported 'jolly', Ride The Storm didn't help, the top-weight rallying again to lose out by just half a length at the line.
For Kevin Coleman (18) from Innishannon, this contest will live long in the memory. Riding 20/1 outsider, Connemara Mist, the teenager got a great response from his mount in the closing stages to gain his first success from his tenth mount.
Favourite backers were back in the groove in the first divide of the juvenile hurdle. Corrib Boy, placed on his four previous efforts over flights, rewarded those who kept faith in him at odds of 5/2.
Joe Crowley's charge didn't excite with his jumping but after duelling with Silvergino from a fair way out he beat that rival by a length under promising claimer, John Allen. Third placed, Man On The Nile, making his hurdles debut, caught the eye when running on strongly to be nearest at the finish.
In the other division of this race, Eimear's Pride, who made most, put paid to remaining Jackpot tickets before the final leg had even been run.
The win for the 10/1 chance surprised even his handler, Pat Fahy who said 'I would have been happy to be in the first five as he's only back in about six weeks after hurting himself at Ballinrobe back in August.'
Francys Fancy became the fifth winning favourite of the day when romping away with the handicap hurdle. Final winner on the card, Callanagh Pride was returned at 20/1 after much longer odds had been availed of.
