Going - Good changed to Good, Good to Yielding in places after Race 5. Overcast and showery
Jackpot Pool - €1,354.80 Not Won. Carried forward to Killarney on Thursday 20th August. Placepot Pool - €17,912.38 Dividend - €104.90 Winning Units - 119.45. Days Aggregate - €122,371.24 Last Year €98,599.37
Belladaball skips home in Sligo
She was very impressive and is a nice prospect. When we looked at the race beforehand, we thought it looked like a winning opportunity for her. She was going well when she came down at Cork, and no better man than Keith to get her jumping today and get some confidence back in her. She's a Listed bumper winner, so you'd be hoping that she'd well up to winning a maiden hurdle, and she's done it nicely. Keith mentioned the Grade 3 mares' novice at Down Royal in late October, so that's a possible target. Brian Walsh, who's one of the (Galloping Gallivanters) syndicate, bred her as well, so that makes it even better.
First-time blinkers the key to a Calm Flight Ahead
Cromwell and Donoghue double up with Seven Towers
Move It On Over one for O'Neill in Sligo
O'Keeffe produces 'ride of the season' contender on Midnight Eagle
It was all going smoothly until after two out!. Darragh said he felt the saddle give a wobble before two out, and then when he went for her, it started to slip, so he kicked his feet out as he felt that was his best chance. She's a very narrow, light filly, and Darragh was doing light as well, so she had a small saddle, but at least that meant the breastplate stuck to her good and tight. She's been creeping up the handicap. Even the day we claimed her, she ran too well and got 7lb, and she got another 4lb for finishing second in Killarney. Things will be getting harder for her after this, but she's very game and if we can keep the saddle straight on her, she might win another!
Strong Contender gets there for Smithers and Lee
I'm delighted with her because we ran her back a little bit quick after Wexford, and the ground turned out to be a bit softer than ideal. She's only a slight mare, 15 '3, and the better ground at Wexford was more to her liking. It was a messy race, and she got squeezed on the home turn, but toughed it out well. She was well bought by Michael Hogan (owner) because she's by a good sire and is a half-sister to a Grade 1-placed horse. We'll give her three weeks now and find something else - we'll keep her to the country tracks for now.
Conor'salwaysright seals brace of winners for Rothwell
