Twenty year old jockey Martin Ferris recorded his first winner as a professional on at Wexford tonight when steering Mark Molloy's Lord Of The Grove to a two length win in the opening Guiness Handicap Hurdle. The 14/1 shot was prominent throughout before racing to the front entering the straight, eventually beating Lisa Baker.
Molloy was not surprised by the win and stated 'the horse baffled me when he ran badly at Limerick last week. We worked him during the week and he worked very well so we were hopeful coming here today. That is Martin's first ride for me and he is a fine jockey.'
Bassett Tiger defied top weight to win the Carlsberg Lager Handicap Chase under Ian Power, who was riding his first horse for trainer Willie Mullins. Mullins reported, by phone, 'he'll probably go for a handicap chase at Galway now. That should do his confidence a lot of good although he has proved a bit disappointing.'
Short And Sweet won the maiden hurdle. Edward O'Grady's 9/2 shot received a strong ride from Barry Geraghty, eventually seeing off the challenge of Euracert by three parts of a length. The winner is owned by the Star Syndicate, a syndicate which includes 800 readers of the Star Newspaper.
Jessica Harrington's Closed Orders (4/9 favourite) had no difficulty beating three rivals under Robbie Power in the Irish Ferries Novice Chase. Harrington was represented by her husband John who mentioned 'he'll probably go for a similar event at Galway. He seems to be a better horse than last year.'
Most deserving winner of the night was trainer Declan Gillespie's Final Opinion who finally lost her maiden status in the Bettyville Maiden. Gillespie's relief was understandable, having previously seen his mare fill the runner-up position on six occasions. He commented 'she deserves that win although she has a lot more ability if she puts her mind to it. She is well bred and a win is important for her pedigree.'
Another Claiming Race at Killarney next week is on the agenda for Mark The Shark after the 49 rated gelding landed the Hilary Murphy Travel Claiming Race under Colm O'Donoghue.
The Citroen Handicap was run at a fast pace and was eventually won by Joe Crowley's Emeranna. Crowley later stated 'she seemed to benefit from the fast pace and may now go for another similar race at Killarney next week.'
Nothing seems to be stopping the Niall Madden stable at the moment and they landed the concluding Bunclody Handicap to complete an across the card double, following the win of Peruge at Fairyhouse.
Thomas Weekes.
