By Dan Walsh at Wexford Racecourse
Brian Hayes was the jockey in form at Wexford today where the partnered a 64/1 double; Double Pink (12/1) in the mares’ hurdle and Kiln Time (4/1) for trainer Michael Bowe in the second division of the handicap hurdle and the final race at Bettyville Park for the 2023 season.
Amateur rider Danny Fitzgerald enjoyed his first winner on the track aboard Glorytogod Tom (22/1) in the opening maiden hurdle in the closest finish of the day with ‘a nose’ separating the winner from Slim Marvel (Trevor Ryan).
Noel Meade’s Meath stables supplied Sportinthepink (10/1) who scored a two and three-quarter length victory in the maiden hurdle with Sam Ewing in the saddle. Sean Flanagan was aboard Paul Nolan’s Iceberg Theory in the runner-up position.
The Listed M.W. Hickey Memorial Chase was a close affair with victory going to Minella Crooner (4/1) for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Elliott by half a length following a mistake at the last obstacle by Joyeux Machin with Sean Flanagan on board for Paul Nolan.
After two ‘seconds’ there was compensation for Sean Flanagan in the beginner’s chase where he partnered The Kong Of Prs (8/1) for Gavin Cromwell and had a length to spare over Willie Mullins’ charge, Henn See, ridden by champion jockey Paul Townland.
Philip Fenton’s Tipperary stables were also in form. The Niall Moore ridden Jeriko De Baune (9/2) took the second division of the handicap hurdle with Courting Vickie and JJ Slevin.
It was a good day’s racing and the rain held off until the end as the season concluded and next day out racing at Bettyville Park is scheduled for Sunday, March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day, 2024. Incidentally, Wexford will have an extra feature – 12 in all – next year.
The Wexford Racecourse Member’s Supporter’s Club annual general meeting takes place at the IFA Centre, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy, next Friday, November 24th at 8pm. 2024 membership will be available on the night.
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