Holy Cross M'dn H'dle 6+-y-o plus 1st - €5,873.50, 2nd - €1,445.00, 3rd - €680.00, 4th - €425.00, 18 Ran
A hurdle race for six yrs old and upwards, maidens at starting that, at entry, have not run in more than two hurdle races Weights - 11st 12lb Allowances - Mares allowed 5lb Horses that have not won a *race allowed 8lb
tracked leaders, ridden in 3rd before 3 out, 2nd approaching straight, closed approaching last where disputed lead, led run-in, drifted right 50yds out, kept on best
9/1 Tote Plc: €2.00 (Mrs R H Lalor, W S Watt & J Dougall) Time - 5:23.0
close up, led 3rd, joined after 4 out, soon in front again, ridden 2 out, strongly pressed approaching last where joined, headed run-in, hampered 50yds out, kept on same pace
33/1 Tote Plc: €7.00 (Kenneth Parkhill) Time - 5:25.9
soon rear of mid-division, went moderate 7th approaching 3 out, 6th before straight, ridden when jumped right 2 out, soon no impression, kept on without threatening
mid-division, weakened to rear and pulled up after 6th
Off 3.05 Time 5m. 22.8 secs
Breeder - P Gavin
Tote Exacta - €35.60
CSF - €27.43
Non-Runners Randoon Hill, Mary Maguire, Cyril Lord
Race Analysis
FRONT MAN had run well at Fairyhouse last month and reproduced that effort here. According to winning trainer Caroline Hutchinson, "FRONT MAN deserved that and will go for a winners' race now. He is only small but will make a nice chaser in time." FRONT MAN is well capable of winning again.
CARRIGEEN KING was slightly hampered by the winner close home but it did not affect the result. He has the makings of a fine chaser, ran a sound race here and should win over hurdles.
SWIFT COUNSEL never threatened but kept on in the straight. He is capable of winning a handicap.
Joint favourite ALLEZ LES BLEU looked a difficult ride and disappointed. He pulled far too hard but still looked to be travelling well until three out. However, he soon came off the bridle and, almost predictably, found nothing. He needs to learn to settle.
CHELLAH ran a sound race and may be worth following in handicaps while TAIPAN'S WAY faded far too quickly.