The formidable partnership of Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill hit the ground running at Ballycahane when securing a double on the day.
They opened their account courtesy of Chosen Port, who is a home-bred of the Meagher family at Kedrah House Stud where they stand the mare’s sire Well Chosen.
A half-sister to former high class staying chaser Burton Port, the four-year-old travelled impressively throughout the contest, showing a nice turn of foot when coming home two lengths in front of Western Zara in the James Barry Motors & John O’ Connell Feeds four-year-old mares’ maiden.
“This is a mare we’ve liked since the day we got her. She’s very professional altogether. We think she’s very smart and she will be sold now,” said Bowe.
The GAIN Equine Nutrition & Paul Leonard Construction five-year-old and upwards mares’ maiden saw Thedabber complete the Colin Bowe/Barry O’Neill double when getting the better of Quarry Girl by one length.
The daughter of Aizavozki was well in command when overcoming a final fence error, providing Co. Wexford native Paddy Cogley, who holds an interest in the mare, with his first winner.
“This is a lovely big mare that Paddy bought himself as a three-year-old and thankfully he sent her to me. Barry was delighted with the feel she gave him today and there’s loads of improvement to come from her,” said Bowe.
Success in the Tattersalls Ireland & Dunraven Arms Hotel four-year-old geldings’ maiden went the way of Ellmarie Holden and Derek O’Connor courtesy of Docpickedme.
Owned by Holden’s father Paul, the son of Getaway made smooth progress as he entered into the straight, where he then reeled in the leaders and sealed victory with a good jump at the last, battling it out gamely all the way to the line to deny Patroclus by one length.
“Derek actually broke this horse for us himself at home, so that’s how he ended up with his name. He’s been very straightforward, and we’re delighted with that performance today,” said Ellmarie Holden of Docpickedme, who is a half-brother to Kim Bailey’s 135-rated chaser Another Venture.
Killer Kane came out on top in the Blue Door Restaurant five-year-old geldings’ maiden to make a triumphant career debut under Rob James.
A €70,000 Derby sale graduate, the son of Oscar put in a nice round of jumping before easing clear of his rivals on the run to the penultimate fence to record a three-length success over the more experienced Fabrique En France.
“He is as a horse who will improve further with time and will now be sold,” said Doyle of Killer Kane, who is a half-brother to 2009 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Go Native.
Longhouse Music recorded a remarkable 20th success between the flags when capturing the Noreen McManus mares open in the hands of Eoin Mahon.
The 11-year-old ran out an easy 12-length winner when long-time leader Chapter Two parted ways with her rider at the penultimate fence.
Winning owner John Duggan was on hand to accept the Connie Kirby Perpetual Cup and James King who was representing Curling said: “What more can you say about this mare, she’s unreal. That was her 20th victory in points today. I’d imagine Sam will let her continue away in races like that for the rest of the season.”
David Kiely and John Halley combined to claim the Dempsey’s Bar & Brian Sheedy Haulage six-year-old and upwards geldings’ maiden with Wont Talk.
The son of Scorpion vindicated the promise of his debut at Ballyvodock, to easily account for Presenting Point by two and a half lengths.
“He’s improved a lot from his first run when we felt he was unlucky. He was a big baby as a young horse, so we gave him time and he’s one we’ll have plenty of fun with now,” said Halley.
