Kilkenny trainer O'Brien marks a winning week in Ballinrobe and the Curragh

Kilkenny Trainer Joseph O’Brien had a week to remember, with success at Ballinrobe and the Curragh respectively. 

The local man, based in Owning Hill, began the week on a winning note as ‘Green Sky’, priced at 11/4 and ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle produced a late run to bypass Jessica Harrington’s 6/4 favourite ‘The First and Last’ to take the nine-furlong maiden for three-year-olds. 

Also on the night, Castlecomer’s Pat Murphy and Gavin Ryan combined to win the 13-furlong handicap with the John Grennan-owned Longclaw at 6/1. The six-year-old led well inside the final furlong and had plenty in hand as he defeated 100/1 shot Summer Fly by two and a half lengths

O’Brien’s winning form continued on Friday last as the three day Curragh Racing Festival began. ‘The Franchise priced at 7/1, ridden by Declan McDonagh claimed the JJ Mahon & Sons Handicap in dramatic circumstances taking the lead inside the final furlong to beat Tom Gibney’s 9/1 shot ‘Booyea’ by half a length.

Elsewhere at the Curragh, Saturday saw Shane Foley return to the saddle after a spell on the sidelines with a broken collar bone. The Co. Cork native made it to the winners enclosure on Sunday afternoon as the Jessica Harrington-trained ‘Bold Discovery’ won the Listed eight-furlong race at odds of 18/1.

Other Racing News

On just his second ride on a racecourse, amateur Paddy Hanlon rode his first winner when taking the bumper at Worcester on Wednesday. Having only received his jockey’s licence a week earlier, the 16-year-old partnered Chef D’Etat, trained by his father Shark Hanlon, to a two and three-parts of a length win over the Fergal O'Brien-trained Theweddingcanwait at odds of 4/6 favourite. “It’s amazing, he travelled beautifully for me,” said the winning jockey who had his first ride at Leopardstown just six days previously. Paddy is certainly best known for his association with Hewick, which he rides out at home and leads up regularly at the races. He has enjoyed great success on the pony racing circuit and bowed out of that sphere with a double at Ballyvaughan last Sunday week.

Upcoming Fixtures

Roscommon – Tuesday, July 4 (First Race 4.45pm)

Tipperary – Tuesday, July 4 (First Race 1.35pm)

Tipperary – Wednesday, July 5 (First Race 5.05pm)

Tipperary – Thursday, July 6 (First Race 5.10pm)

Bellewstown – Thursday, July 6 (First Race 4.25pm)

Bellewstown – Friday, July 7 (First Race 4.10pm)

Wexford – Friday, July 7 (First Race 5.05pm)

Bellewstown – Saturday, July 8 (First Race 4.55pm)

Naas – Saturday, July 8 (First Race 2.10pm)

Sligo – Sunday, July 9 (First Race 2pm)