It’s Cork Grand National day and we head to Mallow with 7 runners.
In Division 1 of the maiden hurdle we run DEE CAPO. He ran out an impressive winner of his bumper last time out and makes his hurdling debut today under Jack Kennedy. He’s been schooling really well at home and should show a good account of himself. TOUCH ME NOT is 2nd reserve in this race.
We run JIGORO in Division 2 of the maiden hurdle. He is a new recruit to the yard having joined us from France where he was 2nd in a flat race back in March. He looks an exciting prospect for Bective Stud and Jack Kennedy takes the ride.
QUEENS VIC makes her hurdling debut in the mares maiden hurdle. She won her point to point impressively before being purchased by Caldwell Construction. She’ll come on plenty for the experience and we’re hoping for a good run from her with Jack Kennedy onboard.
In the Listed Novice Hurdle we send PINYON JAY down to post. He’s really come into himself since making the switch to hurdles and finished 3rd over course and distance last time out. He wears cheekpieces for the first time today and Jack Kennedy is booked to ride.
Our final runners of the day are in the feature race, the Cork Grand National, where we send 3 down to post. CAVALRY MASTER has his first start for us in the Munster National in Limerick two weeks ago. He was the last of the finishers but will certainly have come on for the run after being off the track for over 540 days. Jordan Gainford rides. DIOL KER makes his debut for the yard after joining us from Noel Meade’s. He has some good form to his name in staying chases including finishing 2nd in a Grade B at Leopardstown at Christmas. We’re hoping he’ll run a good race under Danny Gilligan who claims a useful 5lb. Our final runner is ROYAL THIEF who also makes his debut for the yard. He won a QR handicap chase at Punchestown last season before going on to finish 6th in the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival. He could run a big race under Jack Kennedy.