In a thrilling display of horseracing prowess at Naas, both divisions of the Bar One Racing 'Price Boosts All 28 Favourites At Cheltenham' Handicap Hurdle were dominated by the formidable duo of trainer Philip Dempsey and jockey Keith Donoghue. Their star Quornofamonday, backed at 4s from 5s, emerged victorious in a spectacular fashion, proving his mettle on the track.
Before the eyes of the eager crowd, Hillsdale, under the local yard's guidance, showcased a commendable performance just over half-an-hour earlier. In a fiercely competitive race with a large field, Quornofamonday clinched a well-deserved triumph, outpacing Chosen Saint by an impressive six and a half lengths.
Expressing his delight at the victory, Dempsey commented from the winner's circle:
“It was a fantastic win for him; he truly earned it as he had been close before. The group of owners from Clogherhead has been exceptional in their support. They acquired him from Keith's brother, Ian, who had trained him in point-to-point races."
“Last year, he was a mere shadow of what he is now. With each race, he has shown improvement, and I believe the track conditions today suited him well, not too heavy, just right. Standing tall, he displayed his potential by securing the second position in his previous point-to-point race after some patience and nurturing."
“Today, his jumping was notably improved. He can be a bit tricky on the course at times, almost like an octopus with his agile moves. Occasionally, he tends to lead with his hind leg while jumping, making it a challenge for the rider. Despite a few minor errors in the past, he was flawless today.”
On a different note, S. Fitzgerald, the rider of The Lucky Lobster (GB) trained by Declan Queally, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount experienced some discomfort, gurgling in the final four furlongs of the race.