Paul Moloney celebrated his 21st birthday by recording his biggest win over fences when partnering Kaselectric to take the Pierse Group Munster National Handicap Chase at Cork yesterday.
The Eric McNamara-trained gelding veered right when striking the front three out but stayed on well to beat Inis Cara by a comfortable seven lengths, with Padre Mio two and a half lengths further adrift in third.
"He is a fair horse on his day, and is certainly best going righthanded. He will go to Wexford next Sunday for the Bewleys Hotels Handicap Chase," said a delighted McNamara.
Barry Geraghty moved on to the 26 winner mark for the season when completing a double aboard Admiral Wings and Three Rivers. Admiral Wings had little difficulty justifying odds-on support in the novice hurdle, while the Willie Mullins-trained Three Rivers jumped well and shrugged off the persistent challenge of Ballyrihy Boy approaching the last to take the novice chase by three and a half lengths.
Mullins later reported that Florida Pearl "jumped fast and clean" under Paul Carberry in a racecourse schooling session on Saturday and is on target for his intended reappearance at Down Royal on November 6th. Geraghty is four clear of Norman Williamson at the top of the jump riders' championship, for Williamson was successful also on Country Flavour in the handicap hurdle. However, Edward O'Grady's charge had to survive a stewards' inquiry into an incident involving three-quarter length runner-up Disposen on the run-in. The stewards found that interference had taken place but were not satisfied that Williamson's mount had improved his placing.
Dantes Bank overcame a near two-year lay-off through leg trouble to take the opening Birmayne Interior Systems INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, leading before the penultimate flight to beat Anjlore by six lengths.
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