3 minute read
Jessica Harrington’s charge triumphs for Robbie Power
Impact Factor emerged the victor in a dramatic finish to the BoyleSports Novice Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.
Robbie Power was primed to challenge aboard Impact Factor on the outside of the Rachael Blackmore-ridden Mind’s Eye, with Denis O’Regan also trying to go up the inside of that rival on Snugsborough Hall.
However, having jumped out to his left previously, Mind’s Eye dived to his right before the second last, taking Snugsborough Hall out of the race with him.
That left Jessica Harrington’s Impact Factor (4-1) to come home five and a half lengths clear of Quamino.
“We might have been lucky, but Robbie thought he was going as well as anything. He’s fairly wayward and he could easily have run out after them!” said Harrington.
“It’s great to have a bit of luck on your side. He’s had a wind op since his last run and will head to Punchestown now.
“He’s talented but a typical Flemensfirth.”
The meeting got off to a great start for Mark Walsh who doubled up on Galilean and Roxboro Road.
Joseph O’Brien’s Galilean (4-1) sprinted clear after the last to beat odds-on favourite Mr Everest by nine lengths.
“He jumped well enough and he stays well. He probably ran to a similar level that he did the last day. It’s nice to get a winner here,” said O’Brien.
“He’s by Galileo and likes a bit of nice ground. He’ll probably step up in trip and could go to Killarney for a novice. Punchestown may come a bit soon.”
Ted Walsh’s Roxboro Road (6-1 co-favourite) had worn cheekpieces to win at Leopardstown last time out, but was equipped with blinkers as he won by 13 lengths in the YR Sauce Novice Handicap Hurdle.
Walsh said: “He’s done it well and he found plenty with the blinds today. I thought he had his chance, but I didn’t think he was as good as that.
“At home he hangs on to plenty, so that’s why I stuck the blinkers on him. I had cheek pieces on him the last day. They obviously woke him up, he liked the good ground and everything fell into place.
“Hopefully he’ll improve and win a good race some day. He’ll go to Punchestown for the Martinstown Handicap Hurdle if he’s sound and well.”
Davy Russell and Gordon Elliott were on the mark with Mill Quest (14-1) in the Lauro At Hayes Stud Rated Novice Chase.
“Davy gave her a great ride. She was an outsider and hadn’t shown much form this year, but bounced back great today,” said Elliott.
“She won four for us last year, and has been covered by Mount Nelson.”