Kildare Chiller triumphs

Jim Bolger maintained his end of season purple patch with a 104/1 double at the Curragh's last meet of the year but what many…

Jim Bolger maintained his end of season purple patch with a 104/1 double at the Curragh's last meet of the year but what many considered his banker of the day, the 9/10 favourite Dolydille, was beaten into second by Kildare Chiller in the Curragh Carpets Handicap.

The race didn't unfold particularly well for the prolific Dolydille. God Forbid opened up a spectacular lead after a couple of furlongs and Kildare Chiller, winning the race for the second year running, was the only one to stay within hailing distance.

Turning in there was almost 20 lengths back to the pack and when Kildare Chiller took it up two furlongs out he was always going to be difficult to catch. Francis Flood's charge was a second winner of the season for apprentice Steven Crawford who plans to spend the winter with American trainer D Wayne Lukas.

Bolger, who has possible engagements for Dazzling Park in the Matriarch Stakes in California and an international race in Hong Kong, had the first three home in the seven furlong maiden with Invoque leading the way.

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However his second winner Calladine in the apprentice handicap was a 20/1 winner for Patrick Brennan. Michael Kinane, having his last day riding in Ireland in 1999, ended the season with a total of 92 when the £2,000 purchase Waterwing won in the mile maiden.

It was a third winner from three rides that Kinane has had this term for Paddy Mullins - the others were Bob What and Bamford Castle. Kinane had to force his way off the rail a furlong out and the stewards enquired into possible interference but no action was taken.

Front running tactics also looked likely to come off in the 14 furlong handicap with Wicklow Way running well clear on the turn in. However she couldn't keep up the gallop and it was China Tealeaf who supplied Thomas O'Neill with his first winner at headquarters.

The last race of the year at the Curragh fell to local trainer Frank Ennis whose filly Annieirwin had too much finishing pace for the opposition in the maiden.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column