Dream On Baby lands Thurles spoils for Emmet Mullins

Dream On Baby was a welcome winner for 7lb claimer Conor Clarke, who commented: “She has been working well, but she shocked me the way she picked up at the back of the last. She’ll improve when she learns to settle better. I’ve gone a long time without a winner and this is my local track, so I’m delighted.”

The John Ryan-trained handicap debutante Ad Caelum got off the mark when capturing the most valuable prize on offer, the Racing Again December 21st Mares Handicap Hurdle.

“She’s a good, honest mare and the rain really helped her,” said Ryan. “Seán (O’Keeffe) was confident about her chance. She needs soft ground and is only five, so she should progress away. And she starting off on a nice mark.” 

Trainer Denis Leahy savoured the comfortable win of top-weight Unklipped (Seán Flanagan) in the Ballagh Mares Handicap Hurdle.

Confidently handled, she came through smoothly to outpoint Love Like This by six and a half lengths, prompting her trainer to explain: “It’s been hard to know about a trip for her. Seán said she was going as fast as she could through the race, but ended up getting there too soon. She’s had her issues and spends most of her time in a field. She’s made for fences and and that will be the plan next summer.” 

The tremendous form of Philip Rothwell and 7lb claimer Tiernan Power Roche continued when Down Around built on his recent second to a subsequent winner at Fairyhouse in the Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle.

In front at the second last, the 7-2 shot had enough in reserve to keep bottom-weight Klassman at bay by two lengths, giving his rider a 10th success of the season.

A dual winner for previous trainer Paul Nicholls, Individualiste, Gavin Cromwell’s only runner, got off the mark when, ridden by Keith Donoghue, he proved too strong for favourite Crossing The Bar in the Thurles Beginners Chase.

“He appreciated the step up in trip and jumped well, although a bit slow at the last,” said Donoghue. “He has found his form and, hopefully, will progress from here.” 

Declan Queally’s Artic Lane, previously frustrating and expensive to follow, finally came good when taking the www.thurlesraces.ie Maiden Hurdle, pipping favourite Relieved Of Duties by a nose under Liam McKenna who received a two-day whip ban.

And, having his first run for Killarney-based trainer Charles Coakley, Prince Of Air (Alex Harvey) landed a tidy gamble (16-1 in the morning, returned 9-2) in the Killinan Handicap Chase, making virtually all and holding off Winding River.