By Dan Walsh
The summer arrived at Bettyville Park racecourse in Wexford today and while there was no success for Wexford stables the respective champions, trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend, shared a double.
Authorised Act (9/2) set the ball rolling with four and three-parts of a length to spare in the Poolcourt Related Hurdle and Ganapathi (1/1fav.) added the Freddie Doyle Memorial Novice Chase.
Jordan Gainford was the only Wexford jockey to get on the scoresheet. He was aboard Junior Bee, (13/8 fav) for Tipperary owner/trainer Mark Molloy in the Boylesport Handicap Hurdle hung on by a short-head in a thrilling battle to the line.
Brian Hayes and Philip Fenton won the Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle with Good As Hell (2/1 fav) beating Sean Flanagan on Its’aleader.
Waterford runner Robyndeglory (25/1) created a bit of a shock for the punters in the handicap hurdle for trainer/jockey Declan Queally. Philip Rothwell, Tinahely, filled the third place spot with Prince Zaltar ridden by Camolin jockey James O’Sullivan.
The last two races on the card went to Meath. Clonguile Way (17/2) for Thomas Reilly and John C. McConnell won the Jim Ryan Racecourse Handicap Chase with Seamus Neville’s Brideswell Lad (J.J. Slevin filling third spot for the locals and the bumper when to the Harvey family – trainer David and amateur jockey Ben – with Beyond Ambitious (15/8) who deprived Willie Mullins of a treble with champion Patrick Mullins beaten a length on Walk In The Brise.
There was a fine attendance and a great atmosphere. The jackpot pool was €256.58, not won and goes to Naas on Sunday. The Tote was €90,802. 79 (7 races) compared with €137,311.02 (8 races) last year.
Next fixture at Bettyville is on Wednesday, May 25th and it’s an evening event.
WexfordLocal.com 