Eric McNamara is dreaming of Cheltenham glory with Strangely Brown who made it two wins from as many starts over hurdles when taking the featured A Space Modular Accomodation Juvenile Hurdle in fine style at Punchestown on Saturday.
Brian Byrnes, 23, recorded his seventh when sending the Second Empire gelding to the front before three out before staying on well from the last to beat the flattering Sky's The Limit by four and a half lengths. 'He'll be entered in the Triumph Hurdle as well as the new four-year-old handicap hurdle at Cheltenham, and will go next for the Cashmans Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown (Feb 6),' said McNamara.
The Baileys-sponsored Arkle Chase at Leopardstown next weekend could be on the agenda for Ulaan Baatar after the gelding overcame an eight months lay-off to make a successful debut over fences in the beginners chase.
Barry Geraghty's mount headed the front-running Kahuna before two out and, after surviving a scare when getting a bit low at the final fence, kept on well to score by 11 lengths. 'Two miles on this ground is his trip,' said trainer Jessica Harrington, who revealed that it has been difficult to find opportunities for him as he's not EBF registered. 'He had some mucus before Christmas, and it's been hard to find him a race since.'
'He's got loads of gears and is high up on my list,' reported Michael Hourigan after Kerryhead Windfarm led before the last under Bobby McNally to beat the staying on Heez A Wonder by two lengths in the two and a half miles winners hurdle. 'His jumping lets him down a bit but hopefully that will improve on better ground,' added Hourigan.
Island Pride may bid for a quick hat-trick at Gowran Park next Thursday after following up a recent Thurles win in the two miles handicap chase. Ken Whelan produced the eight-year-old to lead in the straight, and gamely hold the renewed effort of Pearly Jack by a head.
Alan Magee
