Racing News: Cloudy Bays was compensated for an unlucky experience in the Kerry National at Listowel in September when running away with the Pierse Contracting Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan yesterday.
Representing the in-form Limerick stable of Charles Byrnes, Cloudy Bays was a heavily backed 3 to 1 favourite and delighted the syndicate which owns him by turning the event into a procession.
Sent into an early lead by Ross Geraghty, older brother of the season's leading rider Barry, the market leader enjoyed a huge advantage throughout and his splendid jumping saw the partnership romp to a 25-length success over Star Clipper.
"He's a brilliant jumper and would take on anything as he has no fear," said Byrnes, who had recorded a double at Naas the previous afternoon. "He over-reached at Listowel when coming down in front after the second last and I suppose justice was done today. He likes good ground and we might find something for him at Cheltenham next March."
While the feature was a one-horse affair, those who were tempted to trade at odds-on about Kadiskar earlier in the afternoon in the Tote Exacta Monksfield Novice Hurdle got a fright before collecting their money.
Backed from 4 to 6 to 4 to 9, Kadiskar had to come under pressure from Conor O'Dwyer to beat Always and In The Dip, who looked a more likely winner until making a bad mistake at the final fence.
"Kadiskar struggled a bit but picked up well after the last and could go to Fairyhouse next Sunday for the Royal Bond Hurdle," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
McManus was on hand to witness Kadiskar completing his hat-trick and also to see Mark The Man likewise make it three wins on the bounce in the No Tax At Stanley Racing INH Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle.
Bought by McManus after winning two bumpers, Mark The Man was having his first outing in the leading owner's colours when easing away from modest opposition for champion trainer Noel Meade.
Meade's Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup third Harbour Pilot finished seventh on his return to action in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle won by King's Equerry.
