Rathkeale rider Philip O'Brien, who turned professional last month, opened his account in the paid ranks with a short-priced double, sparked off aboard Ride The Tide in the Fenit Mares Maiden Hurdle at Tralee yesterday. After opening at 4 to 7, the five-year-old, who chased home the useful Copernicus at Gowran Park last time, drifted in the ring to start a more generous 5 to 4 market leader but her supporters had few anxious moments throughout the race.
The Limerick rider went on to record a bloodless victory in the beginners' chase when Beacon Lane, also trained by his boss Charles Byrnes, made virtually all the running to slam his 10 rivals at odds of 11 to 8. Seven-pound claimer Jim Mansell will also have fond memories of the Bank holiday fixture as he recorded his first victory in the saddle on his uncle's John Gleeson's Raconteur in the opening Kerry Maiden Hurdle.
Whitechurch, Co Cork trainer Joe Sheahan may run his charge, Persian Packer, in a handicap chase at Gowran Park tomorrow after he stayed on best of all in the testing ground to head La Wind after the final fence in the Ballybeggan Racegoers Club Handicap Chase.
Racing concluded with the husband and wife team of Andrew and Aileen Sloane -Lee combining to scoop the bumper with Maid Of Clonmore.
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