Weld's New Phase scores in good style from Psycho

RACING:NEW PHASE upset smart chasers Psycho and Kempes over the smaller obstacles to complete back-to-back victories in the Follow Us On Facebook Hurdle at Cork yesterday.

Dermot Weld’s runner, ridden by Robbie McNamara, came through to lead before the final two flights and score in good style.

Last season’s Leopardstown Hennessy winner Kempes (7to 2) took it up at the third-last but had nothing more to give when headed and had to settle for third place. Psycho rallied to claim second, two and a quarter lengths away.

“It was a very good performance by horse and rider,” said the trainer’s son and also winning owner, Kris Weld. “New Phase probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He’s a very good horse and the older he gets the better he’s handling the soft ground.

Kempes’ trainer Willie Mullins gained quick compensation when saddling the first two home in the www.corkracecourse.ie Handicap Hurdle. And it was Sweet My Lord, ridden by stable jockey Ruby Walsh, who landed the spoils from Pozyc, ridden by Paul Townend.

There was little between the pair jumping the last, but Walsh galvanised the favourite to score by a length and three-quarters.

“Heavy ground is the key to him. He can’t jump as fast as the others on faster ground,” said Mullins of the winner. “I wouldn’t be afraid to run him over a longer trip. He’s probably better suited by hurdles and I’m not sure about chasing with him.”

The Gigginstown House Stud colours were carried into the winner’s enclosure after 7 to 4 joint-favourite Ballysteen landed the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle by two and three-quarter lengths.

The fairer sex dominated the INH Stallion Owners EBF Beginners Chase, with Twelfth Of Never (11 to 2) pipping Special Token, while 8 to 1 newcomer At Fishers Cross caught Kick For Touch in the shadows of the post in the Follow Us On Twitter (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.

Hans Crescent (4/1 joint-favourite) continued his progression by adding the Christmas Party Raceday December 11th Handicap Chase to his Thurles triumph from earlier this month.

Mullins again had to settle for a minor role when the Graham Wylie-owned Felix Yonger couldn’t catch Daring Article in the maiden hurdle.