Davy Condon was taken to Ardkeen Hospital for x-rays after his mount Thrills And Spills slipped up in the Guinness Median Auction Maiden at Tramore on Saturday.
Condon was conscious after his mount slipped up on the downhill run approaching the dip but was taken to hospital for precautionary x-rays. Turf Club doctor Walter Halley said, 'Davy has a suspected fracture of his right cheek-bone, and is going to have x-rays on his neck and facial bones. He will be stood down for at least 48 hours.'
Jamie Moriarty recorded his ninth success in this event on the Aga Khan's home bred Balasari. The Sri Pekan gelding poached a decisive advantage over two furlongs out, and held off the late challenge of Danzig Bay by half a length.
Noel Meade landed the three-year-old maiden hurdle here for the third successive year when More Rainbows was produced with a well-timed challenge by Ruby Walsh to head Sandtrap in the closing stages for a head verdict. Walsh was proving an able deputy for stable rider Paul Carberry, who was in action at the show-jumping arena in Millstreet. More Rainbows will head next for a winners' race at Tralee.
Norman Williamson parted company with Fascinating going to the start after his saddle slipped. The Edward O'Grady-trained filly was withdrawn after running loose for a few minutes, but later collapsed and died in the stabling area.
Williamson did enjoy better fortune later when striking the front on the run-in aboard Jurado Bay to take the mares handicap hurdle by half a length from the hard-pulling Beaufort Belle.
Measure Of The Man opened his account over fences in style when making all under Conor O'Dwyer in the beginners chase. The Christy Roche-trained gelding held a clear advantage throughout, and jumped well to beat Cantiam by a comfortable nine lengths.
Conor's Pride jumped to the front two out under Timmy Murphy in the maiden hurdle for six-year-olds, and Michael Hourigan's charge kept on well to beat long-time leader Pharviva by two lengths. 'He's a very highly-strung horse, and has had a number of problems including a deformed face after running into an iron girder. He jumped well and Timmy said the decent gallop helped him to settle,' said the Patrickswell handler.
Michael Halford, who had a number of seconds on the afternoon, saddled Corporate Express to justify favouritism in the concluding mile and three quarters maiden. Tadhg O'Shea's mount quickened nicely from the furlong pole to beat Anticipated Move by five lengths.
Alan Magee
