Ballycashin scores with well-timed run in Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle

Killenaule jockey Rachael Blackmore remains in unstoppable form and combined with her boss Henry de Bromhead for success through Tideways Hero in the first division of the Tote-sponsored handicap hurdle at Powerstown Park, Clonmel last Thursday evening.

The mare was having her first start since October and de Bromhead remarked “She jumped really well but was a bit keen there and ran a bit fresh, but Rachael did a great job on her.

“We gave her a good break over the winter and she’s a real good ground mare who looks like she might have strengthened up”.

Ballycashin, representing the father and son duo of Tony and Danny Mullins, was produced with a well-timed run from the rear in the Talbot Hotel Clonmel Handicap Hurdle to land a sizeable gamble (12/1 in the morning into 100/30 favourite) by six lengths.

Mullins senior said, “Being by Flemensfirth, we were thinking she wanted soft ground but I’d say she’s a better mare on a bit of nice ground, so Danny decided to drop her out the back to let her get into a rhythm and she won well. We were surprised she hasn’t done that up to now but I’d say we were riding her wrong and on the wrong ground”.

Laura Jones, the Talbot Hotel’s sales and marketing manager was on hand to make the trophy presentation to the winning owners. Laura is a keen racing enthusiast and commented “It was a great result and a good few of us are here this evening. Business is booming and we’ve had a great refurbishment done in the hotel since it was acquired by The Talbot Group – all the rooms are fabulous”.

Cappagh, Co Waterford- based handler Declan Queally has been enjoying a good run and kept up his strike rate when Natural Look justified 3/1 favouritism in the opening Clonmel Racecourse Supporters Club Claiming Hurdle with some ease. Shane Fitzgerald’s mount was winning her fourth race and was subsequently claimed by Ross O’Sullivan for €11,000.

The second running of the Aisling Kennedy Memorial Maiden Hurdle went the way of the Gordon Elliot owned and trained Clodders Dream. The easy 11-length winner surprisingly drifted in the market and was returned at 13/2. Aisling’s dad Tom presented a beautiful silver tray to the head travelling lad from the Elliott yard, David, who quipped it will look lovely in Gordon’s new house.

Above: Maeve and Jack Walsh (centre) were joined by family and friends at Clonmel Races last Thursday for the inaugural running of the John Walsh (Mainstown) Memorial Flat Race

The John Walsh (Mainstown) Memorial INH Flat Race produced a closely-fought finish that went the way of John Gleeson’s well-regarded mount Fad Eadrainn, from the Pat Foley stable, by a neck from the favourite Cuckoo Valley. John Walsh was a dedicated member of the Kilmoganny Hunt for over 40 years and hosted its point-to-point on his farm at Mainstown. His 15-year-old son Jack is now following in his late father’s footsteps on the hunting field at weekends.

Jack and his cousin Ronan O’Shea made a presentation to the winning owners and they were joined on the podium by John’s wife Maeve and a large group of friends, all of whom contributed to the race sponsorship. Funds left over will be given to the Oak Ward of Waterford University Hospital.

Aileen Persse, a great friend of the late John Walsh, also promotes Botanica International’s natural herbal creams, washes and sprays to training yards and studs around the country and she joined family members of company MD Sean Cooney to make a presentation to winning connections of the Philip Rothwell-trained Woodstream Lad, following the running of the Botanica International Handicap Hurdle.

The next race meeting at Powerstown Park is the very popular Bulmers Summer BBQ National Hunt evening on Friday June 7, with music by Legends. The white flag will be raised at 5.20pm. Check out www.clonmelraces.ie for ticket options.

It will also see the return of the Best Dressed Competition, with great prizes sponsored by Bulmers and the Talbot Hotel Group.