Garrett Cotter and Sean McDermott were both seen to good effect when partnering the two feature races at Kilbeggan's first meeting of the year.
Cotter was aboard Forsail in the Thorntons Recycling Centre Handicap Chase, and Jessica Harrington's charge kept on really well under strong pressure in the final half mile to beat the flattering Finians Ivy by a neck. 'He comes on and off the bridle, but I told Garrett that he would keep finding more. He jumps well for a novice, and may come back here for the Midlands National,' said Mrs Harrington.
Sean McDermott carried out instructions to perfection when partnering Shared Account to take the Belvedere House Gardens & Park Handicap Hurdle.
Francis Flood's charge needs to be held up for a late run, and McDermott produced the nine-year-old gelding to lead on the inner before the final flight before holding on by a head from the fast-finishing Touch Supreme. 'We knew he was in good form, and Sean gave him a good ride. He likes Tralee, so we will go for another handicap there next Monday,' said Flood.
Green River, a very lightly-raced nine-year-old gelding sporting the famous blue colours of Paul Green, was prominent throughout under Robert Power to take the beginners chase. Jim Dreaper's charge gained a slight advantage over Blame The Ref at the final fence, and kept on for a length and a half verdict.
Noel Meade and Paul Carberry, who picked up their respective champion trainer and jockey trophies at the National Hunt Awards in Adare on Saturday evening, teamed up to land the three miles novice hurdle with Corskeagh Thunder.
The six-year-old gelding was all the rage in the betting ring, backed down from 6/4 to evens, and traveled smoothly for most of the journey when racing close to the pace. However Carberry needed to get down to work in the straight, eventually holding on by a length from Estarana.
'He jumped well but ran a bit free early on, and just lasted home. He's won two for us now, and will go next for a handicap at around two and a half miles,' said Meade.
Edward O'Grady was reminiscing about his Blackrock College school days after saddling Barningham to take the opening maiden hurdle under Norman Williamson, just getting the better of Native Storm in the closing stages to score by three quarters of a length.
'This gelding carries the blue and white colours of Blackrock and is owned jointly by Terry Dolan, a school mate of mine, and Liam Hooton, a first-time owner. He was bought cheaply, and should give the boys some fun,' said O'Grady, who may switch the gelding to the Flat.
Alan Magee
