Good Saturday for Irish in Ozz Irish jockeys Martin Mooney, Gary Hutchinson and Keith Hadnett ruled the waves in the Star Cruises – Australia V Ireland Steeple at Morphettville, Adelaide on Saturday, filling the first three placings for a $285 Trifecta.Ballata gave Mooney his first Australian success when beating Gary Hutchinson´s mount Churchill by a ‘long head’ with Hadnett third on Kwila’s Quest.The winner, a 13/2 chance, is a former winner of South Australia’s most prestigious chase, the Great Eastern and also finished second in the Australian Grand National at Flemington.Mooney said “he jumped brilliantly, he’s a super lepper but in the end it was stamina that won it for him, I’m just thrilled to ride a winner here”. Favourite Churchill went two lengths up in the straight but idled in front and was worn down close home. Keith Hadnett’s mount was staying on but “would have liked another jump on the long run-in”.The visitors also finished first and second in the Carlton – Australia V Ireland Hurdle with Mark Grant on 3/1 favourite Manilow beating Mooney on Top Kala by two and a half lengths. Gary Hutchinson came sixth, Keith Hadnett finishing last. Having only his second jumps start, Manilow got a superb ride from Grant who said “the slow pace early helped and got him jumping with confidence but they went very fast around the 600m mark, almost sprinting. He was able to go with them though I was in front turning for home”.The Irish team are well ahead on points at this stage, leading 39 pts to 19 pts. Yesterday’s meeting at Mt Gambier was called off because of waterlogging but the hosts didn´t let a small matter like that spoil the party and insisted that the visitors travel to sample their hospitality.
