Dan Walsh at Wexford Races
Local jockeys and trainers were in brilliant form at Wexford races this afternoon with Jordan Gainford riding a double, Sean Flanagan and trainers Paul Nolan and Seamus Neville all keeping the local punters sweet.
Sean Flanagan who rides Vanillier in tomorrow’s Aintree Grand National was in the winner’s enclosure following a two lengths victory on Rue Taylor (10/1) for Paul Nolan in the novice hurdle depriving Gordon Elliott of a four-timer.
Seamus Neville who trains at Brideswell, Bridgetown, won the handicap chase with On The Tide (14/1) ridden by Roscrea claiming rider Philip Donovan. “He loves the good ground,” said a delighted trainer afterwards.
Gordon Elliott’s stable sent a strong contingent from Summerhill, Co. Meath, and scored a treble beginning with Kisk Bank (6/4 fav.) ridden by five pounds claimer James Smith by a cosy 23 lengths in the maiden hurdle (incentive race).
Caim jockey Jordan Gainford who rides the outsider Conflated in tomorrow’s Grand National at Aintree was on board Elliott’s other successful pair. He scored on Cooke’s Lass in the mares’ maiden hurdle beating two Wexford contenders; Clody Diamond for Paul Nolan with Sean Flanagan up two and a half lengths back in runner-up spot with third place filled by Alpha Zeta trained by Liz Doyle at Crossabeg.
Gainford’s second success came on Lightkeeper (9/1) by eight lengths in the novice chase. Paul Nolan’s Kiltealy Park (Sean Flanagan) was runner-up, so a Wexford 1,2 there!
Pat Foley, son of the legendary Tom Foley of Danoli fame, popped down from Carlow and saddled Rebel Gold (7/2) in the handicap chase and celebrated with a victory. Alex Harvey was the winning rider.
Waterford trainer Henry de Bromhead also got on the scoresheet. He saddled Aspire Tower (Mike O’Connor up) at 4/1 in the beginners chase depriving Willie Mullins’ runner up Westport Cove (Sean O’Keeffe up) by a neck!
It was a good day’s racing. Good attendance too! Next races at Bettyville Park, Wexford, is Saturday, May 17th. Mark it in your sporting diary!
WexfordLocal.com 