Thurles opened its gates for the 2002/03 National Hunt season, and Aidan O'Brien had a welcome change in fortune when recording a double with Russia and Harbour Bound
Seamus Heffernan elected to make the running on Russia in the juvenile maiden, and the Kingmambo colt dug deep under pressure inside the final quarter mile to beat Allied Victory by a head.
Paul Scallan also had Harbour Bound up with the pace in the mile and half maiden and, after going clear approaching the home turn, held on by half a length from the unlucky-in-running Eckbeag.
Former champion amateur Paul Moloney also completed a double aboard chasers Celio and Samapour. Celio justified good support in the Cahir Handicap Chase, with the nine-year-old gelding in control throughout this two miles event and cruising home in the straight to beat Sean Connors by 11 lengths. 'He likes top of the ground, and we will keep running him while it remains like this,' said Wicklow trainer Prunella Dobbs.
However Moloney was undoubtedly lucky to collect on Samapour in the Cashel Beginners Chase. Active Member missed out on certain victory by pecking on landing after a mistake at the last, with Ian Power thrown out of the saddle. The claimer held on to the gelding's neck for 50 yards until eventually losing his battle to keep the partnership intact.
Seomra Hocht provided Fermoy trainer Liam O'Brien with his second winner since taking out a licence in May when confidently ridden by Tom Queally to beat Spirit Of Texas by three quarters of a length in division one of the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Handicap.
Mandys Gold has been kept busy of late, and came good on her fifth outing in the past fortnight when taking the three miles beginners chase under Gary Hutchinson. 'We always knew she had ability, but she was held up with coughing and must have fast ground,' said trainer Liam Burke.
Edward O'Grady plans to switch Find The King back over hurdles at Gowran Park next week after he easily made all in the two miles conditions race. Fran Berry's mount was unchallenged in the straight to beat Dr Knock by six lengths.
Alan Magee
