RACING: RYANAIR BOSS Michael O'Leary is heavily represented in tomorrow's Grade Two Limerick feature but the Gigginstown Stud team could end up playing second fiddle to Hampshire Express.
A dozen horses are due to line up for the Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase and the famous Gigginstown colours will be carried by the high-class trio of Quito De La Roque, Roi Du Mee and Mr Cracker.
All three are proven Grade Two winners which means some weight concessions and that could be another boost to Hampshire Express’s chances of upsetting the odds.
Ruby Walsh is back on board the Willie Mullins-trained eight-year-old who won a chase at Thurles in the autumn but whose only subsequent start resulted in him being tailed off behind Roi De Mee at Punchestown in February.
Paul Townend reported afterwards that Hampshire Express had made a noise during the race and the horse wears a first-time tongue-strap tomorrow.
With just a couple of starts this season, the Mullins runner comes into this race fresher than most and looks to have greater versatility in terms of ground conditions than any of the O’Leary runners.
Limerick’s other black-type event is the Listed Kevin McManus Champion Bumper which Dermot Weld can pick up for the third successive year courtesy of the unbeaten Waaheb.
Robbie McNamara’s mount did enough in two starts at Leopardstown to raise hopes of a Cheltenham trip but Weld has stuck to his plans of taking in this race before aiming at Punchestown next month.
The Real Article proved aptly named during his bumper career and began his jumping campaign on the same note at Listowel in September. Edward O’Grady’s charge reappears in the novice hurdle but faces worthy opponents in Last Instalment and Lios A Choill. A longer trip will suit the latter who has the edge on race-fitness.
Rory Anna ran fourth to Drombeg Dawn in the Lincoln a fortnight ago and can make a successful return to jumping in the conditions hurdle.
Weld holds fire on Concorde decision
DERMOT WELD will make a late call next week about the John Smith’s Grand National participation of his stalwart performer Majestic Concorde.
Top amateur Robbie McNamara is on standby to ride the horse on which he won the valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
However ground conditions could have a crucial bearing on whether the partnership line up at Aintree. “The horse couldn’t be in better form. But in my mind there is a concern about the four miles, four furlongs,” Weld said yesterday. “I will discuss it with Dr Lambe (owner) and make a decision next week.”
In other National news yesterday it was confirmed JP McManus has bought last year’s Irish National heroine Bluesea Cracker and she will carry his colours in Liverpool. Andrew McNamara will still ride her and James Motherway will continue to train her.
McManus could have up to four runners in the National including last year’s winner, and topweight, Don’t Push It.
The McManus colours can get this afternoon’s Gowran fixture off to a successful start where Shot From The Hip should be hard to beat in the novice hurdle.
The Sneezer has won three chases in a row and can revert back to hurdles with a win in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap.
