With what felt like the flick of a switch, the world was declared normal again. Or a version thereof. Or what passes for it now. However. just in case I’d the slightest idea of slipping back into some form of routine, the glorious nuisance that is Cellulitis decided to pay an unscheduled and completely unwanted visit.
Which has already led to me missing out on the return of the Brady’s Betting Club to Gowran Park for Thyestes Chase Day. At this stage, it also looks like ruling me out of Meath’s Allianz National League opener against Galway in Salthill.
Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, mind you, not a hoof print of the action was missed. At first glance, the two headlines from the day write themselves. The fine victory of the Martin Brassil-trained Longhouse Poet in the day’s feature event and Willie Mullins unleashing what looks like another potential star in the concluding PJ Foley Memorial Bumper.
Following on from previous winners of what is usually a highly informative contest such as Sizing Tennessee, Paul Kristian, Stone Hard, Getabird and Blue Sari, Mercurey, in the silks of Rich and Susannah Ricci looks a really smart prospect. A feeling only endorsed by the comments of trainer and rider before and after the race.
In between all of the above, Conor O’Dwyer’s Uncle Gerhard (10/1,advised) was an impressive winner of the day’s opening contest under the trainer’s son, Charlie, while the silks of the Jones family from Dunsany, Co Meath were again in the No. 1 slot when their Coeur Sublime was a classy winner of the Novice Chase.
Elsewhere, Mullins was also on the mark courtesy of Glengooley under Jody Townend while there was a boil over in the 2m 4f handicap hurdle with 33/1 shot Kells Priory was a snug winner for the burgeoning duo of Louise Lyons and Richie Condon.
To the one seeing eye of this observer, the two headline stories revolved around one horse that won and one which didn’t. The noteworthy victory being that Longhouse Poet in the big one. That the horse has been possessed of the ability to win such a contest has never been in doubt. Ditto his trainer Martin Brassil when it comes to preparing one for such a job.
The X-Factor in this story was the return of Sean and Bernadine Mulryan to centre stage. Now, to a certain extent they enjoyed a comeback some years ago when City Island scored for them at the Cheltenham Festival. Possibly in the race they sponsor indeed.
However, their return to the bigtime is somewhat against the grain, but a very welcome one nonetheless. Where once leading owners like Graham and Andrea Wylie, Sullivan Bloodstock, Ann and Alan Potts Ltd either scaling back their operations or withdrawing altogether, and Cheveley Park doing the cowardly thing and dropping Gordon Elliott when he was down, the Mulryan’s return to the fray is a glowing endorsement of Irish racing and its current state of health.
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The other big story to emerge from the day was regarding a steed which didn’t win, namely the Willie Mullins trained Klassical Dream. On the face of it, the injury-prone, but highly talented 8-year-old was very underwhelming. Something acknowledged by Paul Townend post-race
Perhaps I’d be on a solo run here, but, it may be best not read too much into today’s race. Right so when a horse goes off at 1-3f they are expected to. Naturally, when they don’t, there’s going to be a bit of reactionism.
This corner wouldn’t be inclined to panic just yet. Having amply demonstrated that there’s still plenty of horse there at Leopardstown over Christmas, there was always likely to be a bit of a bounce factor.
It is only right, too, to pay tribute to the winner of the race, Royal Kahala. Peter Fahey’s mare seldom runs a bad race, and will most likely go for the Mares Hurdle. On merit and with damn good chance.
Though obviously there will be a degree of disappointment in the Mullins camp with that particular outcome, expect the Master of Closutton to have Mrs Joanne Coleman’s animal freshened up and ready to go for the Olympics of the sport in just a few weeks time.
Going out in trip will certainly aid the Mullins inmate too. Just one of the clues unearthed during a cracking day’s racing. Now time to get studying!