By Dan Walsh at Fairwood Park, Tinahely
Local rider, Barry Walsh from Ballyday, Gorey, scored his first-ever double success at his local track at Fairwood, Tinahely, this afternoon, and Philip Rothwell, who trains next field to the track also saddled a double at the Wicklow Hunt point-to-point.
Barry struck winning form on Singing Casamento for his father, John Patrick Walsh, who came home three and a half lengths to the good in the maiden race for five-year-olds plus.
Walsh’s double was completed aboard Philip Rothwell’s Long Road who had eight lengths to spare at the end of the maiden race for six-year-olds plus.
Rothwell, who trains beside the Fairwood track, and wasn’t present as he was racing at Navan, completed a training double when Galon De Vauzelle won the Open Race by 13 lengths and a third winning ride for Phidelma Elvin from Kildare.
The four-year-old maiden race provided a promising success by Make Me Smile, ridden by Frankie Murphy, and trained at Redbridge Stables, Duncormick by Michael Murphy. Commenting afterwards handler Murphy said; “He is a well-bred horse, he gallops and jumps, has a high level of ability and he goes to the sales. He will win a big chase either in Ireland or the UK on soft ground,” his proud handler predicted.
Carlow handler Aidan Fitzgerald is enjoying a winning streak and his luck continued today with Jonzac in the maiden race for five and six-year-old geldings maiden. Afterwards, Fitzgerald gave the credit to his Kilkenny rider Troy Walsh. “Troy is riding very well and it all down to him,” he claimed.
It is very rare to have a point-to-point weekend without a Doyle winner and Donnchadh kept the Ballindaggin family flag of success at its highest point today when Kamille Au Kanada in the Monbeg Syndicate colours worn by Rob James came home by a clear 16 lengths in the Winner of Two race. “He has plenty of ability. He could go for a bumper or he may be sold,” stated Donnchadh afterwards.
Racing also took place at Turtulla, Co. Tipperary, today, where Cleariestown rider Barry Stone returned from injury and on his first ride of the new season won the maiden race for four-year-old geldings by three lengths on Tendoo for Cleariestown handler Jonathan Fogarty.
Next Sunday, November 23rd, Killinick Harriers point-to-point takes place at Lingstown, Tomhaggard. Entries close on Tuesday.
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