Following a cracking effort in a Listed race at Fairyhouse on Sunday last, High Priestess is set to rise 14Ibs in the ratings. It therefore was no surprise to see Michael OBrien turn his filly out again quickly to compete off her original mark, and his decision was vindicated when she triumphed in the Guinness Gold Cup at Tralee yesterday.
The daughter of Priolo ran out a convincing three length winner under Rory Cleary, with the unlucky in running Valentina Guest runner-up. It was win number twenty of the season for star apprentice Cleary.
Denis Cullen, representing OBrien, said, 'Seamie Heffernan rode her on Sunday and thought she wouldnt be beaten here. Unfortunately the boss wanted to claim off her so he couldnt retain the ride. She handled the ground well and there is a race for her at Galway the week after next. Shell go over hurdles after that.'
Staying chaser, Cloudy Bays, attempting to exploit a much lower hurdles mark, was a strong even money favourite for the qualified riders event. John Thomas McNamaras mount had no answer though when headed by Owennacurra Bobby away from three out, Tom Coppers four-year-old, described as 'a good tough horse who relished the ground,' staying on well under Niall Slippers Madden for a five length win.
An expected match for the opening maiden failed to materialise as neither of the top two in the betting could even make the frame. It was left to Tazmeera (the first of two Priolo-sired winners), never involved on her debut at Leopardstown ten days ago, to make all in the testing conditions under Michael Kinane.
Slim ONeill, assistant to John Oxx commented, 'she done nothing at Leopardstown and we had no idea how shed handle the ground here. Shell go for a little nursery somewhere now.'
If that was a good result for the layers they experienced an even better outcome to the following maiden. Rosmarie (16/1) became trainer Susan Finns second winner when he arrived fast and late under her brother, Billy Lee to beat the favourite, Indian Pace by a head.
Finn was delighted to gain compensation for the narrow defeat of her charge Ela Marathona in the feature race of the opening day and also for owner Joe Quaid, twenty years waiting for a success.
There was another family victory later in the day in the maiden hurdle, brothers Jarlath and Peter Fahey combining in the training and riding roles with Ciaras Surprise, a four length winner over favourite, Sherberry.
Addario followed up a win at Gowran a fortnight ago when battling well to take the mile handicap under Davy Moran. Jim Bolger may send his filly back to the Kilkenny venue on Sunday in a bid for win number three at that track. Unfortunately for Moran, using his whip with excessive frequency earned him a three-day ban.
Master Ofthe Chase (7s into 5) was a well-backed and easy victor of the maiden hurdle for Charlie Swan in the hands of David Casey. This fellow came home eleven lengths in front, favourite, Yorkshire Grey disappointing back in seventh.
The concluding race also helped lighten the bookmakers satchels, Hordago (7/1 into 9/2 joint favourite), leading before three out for Garrett Cotter and keeping up the gallop in resolute style to credit trainer Eric McNamara with a success.
