If quality shines, then the almost 20,000 crowd at Listowel yesterday must have almost been blinded when Dorans Pride shot to the top of the Cheltenham Gold Cup market with a superb success in the Guinness Kerry.
Dorans Pride and Richard Dunwoody put in such a quality performance to beat Lord Singapore and Opera Hat that Paddy Power bookmakers' reaction in making the horse 6 to 1 favourite for the Gold Cup in nearly six months time seemed almost appropriate.
What was entirely appropriate was trainer Michael Hourigan's reaction to it all. With the conflicting emotions of having seen his stable star win so brilliantly, and yet remembering his former jockey Shane Broderick who helped mould the potential champion's talent, Hourigan wasn't being pulled every way by just well-wishers alone.
"That was the thrill of my life. To carry 12st and win as easily as that is amazing. With all the worrying about if he was right or wrong for the race, I had butterflies before it," he declared, before adding: "That was brilliant but I really feel for poor Shane."
Dunwoody was winning for the third time from three rides on Dorans Pride and declared his availability to ride Dorans Pride in the Gold Cup, but he, too, was thinking of Broderick. "It's very awkward, taking over from the horse's usual rider but it's important for us all to give Shane as much support as we can," the former champion said.
Certainly, yesterday's performance from his former partner can only boost Broderick's morale. Dorans Pride travelled smoothly throughout as Opera Hat led with two circuits to go, and although Lord Singapore and Merry People tried to go with him when Dorans Pride took it up three form home, in truth the well-backed favourite never looked in any danger.
"I let him have a blow after the third last and he got a little tired on the ground but it was very straightforward. As far as I know, One Man won't be running in the Gold Cup and I will be available for that, but I'll have to discuss with the owners about before it," Dunwoody said.
Dorans Pride may now have a break before running at Christmas in either the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown or possibly the King George in Kempton, but the gelding could appear first at Fairyhouse on November 30th, a day which is being given over to the Broderick appeal fund.
"I would love to run him there," Hourigan said, but after this display, the possiblities for Dorans Pride this season look boundless. Owner Tom Doran remarked: "The King George is a possible but if the easier option is at home we'll take that. Fingers crossed, after that we all know where he'll go." The bookmakers price proved they certainly do.
Hourigan went on to saddle two more winners, in Ballygowan Beauty, who turned the bumper into a procession, and the 20 to 1 shot Rosetown Girl, who overhauled Buck And A Half in the closing stages of the maiden hurdle. The favourite in this, Lanturn, who drifted from 4 to 6 to 5 to 4, was pulled up three out and after being examined was found to be lame.
