The annual jockeys' challenge between Ireland and Australia got underway at Roscommon yesterday with the home team establishing an 8-3 lead over the visitors, helped by the victory of Sigma Comms and Tommy Treacy in the opening leg of the six-race series.
Treacy sent the Noel Meade-trained 10 to 1 chance into the lead over the final flight in the Beechwood Handicap Hurdle before stretching away on the run-in for a five-length win over Mega Hunter.
Blow Wind Blow and Conor O'Dwyer gained three points for the Irish when finishing eight lengths adrift in third, while John MacMillan and Mick Patton trailed in towards the rear aboard Stoneleigh Turbo and Chuck's Treasure respectively to accumulate three points for the Aussies.
Visiting riders Wayne Smith and John Cornell were forced to watch the race from the stands, resulting in Shay Barry and David Casey not figuring in the scoring - their respective mounts Dramatic Dame and Paeandisplay did not go to post.
The Gowran festival of racing, which gets underway tomorrow, hosts three legs of the challenge this week with the series concluding at Down Royal on Saturday with the final two races.
Tom Foley reported Danoli on target for the Kilkenny Irish Beer Champion Chase tomorrow after he saddled Samapour (Shay Barry) to upset Noel Meade's River Pilot in the Irish NH Novice Hurdle. "He's fit enough and he did his final piece of work on Jim Bolger's gallops on Sunday. If he jumps around and comes back safe I'll be happy - we've got nothing to lose," said the Carlow handler. Meade had better luck in the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice when Colm O'Donoghue partnered Chestnut Falls to victory but the expected treble bid with Cockney Lad was foiled. Norman Williamson spoiled the party when making all aboard Michael Cunningham's Nuzum Road Makers to upset the odds-on chance by a length.
"He just blew up," remarked the Navan handler of the runnerup who intends turning him out again in two weeks time, while Cunningham will run his charge in next Sunday's Munster National at Limerick.
