Ossie Bennett, a well-known physiotherapist in hurling circles for many years and still a keen vintage car enthusiast at the age of 87, had his colours carried to success for the first time when Thatsharib landed the handicap hurdle at Thurles yesterday afternoon.
Bennett fulfilled a life-long ambition as the Malachy Ryan-trained gelding led at the last under Mark Grant in this two miles event to beat An Culainn Beag by a length. The octogenarian was part of the backroom team with a number of successful All Ireland hurling teams including six-times with Tipperary and recently completed the London to Brighton vintage car run in torrential rain.
'I'll die happy now as this year I've trained a winner for Ossie, and Michael Kinane has ridden a winner for me,' said Ryan.
Shay Barry has made the most of extra opportunities this season due to colleagues injuries, and he was seen to good effect once again aboard Caishill in the beginners chase.
Joe Crowley's charge made all, with the four-year-old really attacking his fences under Barry's urgings, and stayed on gamely on the run-in to hold off The Dark Flasher by a length and a half. 'Shay gave him a positive ride. He'll go for a winners-of-one, while a similar race over hurdles is also a possibility as he's only one win,' said Crowley.
The two and three-quarter miles beginners chase also went to a front-runner as the well-backed 2/1 favourite Kymandjen stayed on strongly under John Cullen to beat Craigmor Hero by two lengths. 'His jumping really won it for him, and he'll be better on softer ground. Hopefully he can take on handicappers now,' said trainer Paul Nolan.
Deauville surprised connections when taking the opening maiden hurdle for five-year-olds, quickening to the front after the last under Adrian Lane and holding the renewed effort of favourite Native Churchtown by three-quarters of a length.
'I thought he'd run well but didn't think a Tramore bumper winner would be good enough against the likes of Native Churchtown and McGruders Cross. He had the bit of jumping experience, and is obviously improving,' said trainer Mick Halford.
Master's Melody also upset some better-fancied rivals on his jumping debut in the four-year-olds' maiden hurdle. Willie Slattery's mount was always travelling well, and struck the front after two out to beat Lorenzetti by a length and a half. 'He's definitely better with an ease in the ground, and will go next for a novice although we'll also see what the handicapper does,' said trainer Thomond O'Mara.
Favourite backers did get it right in the opportunity handicap hurdle, although the Danny Howard-ridden Baltray Queen had just enough in reserve to fend off a 'wall of horses' headed by Padre Nostro.
Alan Magee
