Irish Take Early Lead In Australia Irish jump jockeys Robbie Moran, Andrew Lynch and Andrew Leigh finished second, third and fourth in the opening leg of the Australian/Irish International Jumps Riders Series in Gawler, South Australia on Wednesday. But the visitors still managed to emerge with a hefty points advantage as the winner, 10/1 chance Sun Dog, ridden by Paul Hamblin, wasn´t part of the competition.The Irish lead 23 to 13 at this early stage.Robbie Moran on the favourite Regal Silence was just thwarted by the winner and beaten a length with a 5 length gap to Lynch and Leigh, separated by a 'short half head.' Denis Hogan finished eighth on a rank outsider, 40/1 chance Yin Yang Huo.The next venue in the series is the Adelaide city track Morphettville which stages 'Irish Day' on Saturday. There´s a shortage of chasers amongst local trainers with just three declared for the 'steeple' but the hurdle attracted a big entry and has been divided to maximise opportunities.
