Insult added to injury for Mark Walsh Danny Power was an impressive winner of the opening race of the week at Listowel which was the Kinisla Charleville Cheese 3-Y-O Hurdle over two miles. A well-supported 3/1 chance on his racecourse debut, the Blue Bresil gelding raced behind the leaders and was full of running when going on at the second-last to slam Chairmanforlife by eight and a half lengths. There was drama before the race when intended rider Mark Walsh was kicked by Michael Ryan’s homebred. Walsh was able to walk away, albeit gingerly, and after the horse was resaddled, Darragh O’Keeffe took over in the plate with the race going off 7 minutes late. "I am just a bit upset over Mark, but I think he is ok. It was totally untypical of the horse, who just lashed out, but is a gent of a horse. I suppose it was his first time at school,” said winning trainer John Queally. "We've always liked him, and Mark liked him a lot. Mark had schooled him and was keen to ride. "It was nice to win this race, as the last time I did so was with Al Eile first time out as well." He added "We thought we'd have to withdraw but, in fairness, the IHRB were very cooperative and on the ball. Once I could get a jockey quickly, I could run and it worked out well. Darragh had always ridden for me, so was the obvious pick. "Danny Power is still a baby and mightn't be a horse until next season. We'll find a winners' of one somewhere, but we'll mind him as he is a lovely horse." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
