While there was no luck for the Irish-trained horses in the Scottish Grand National run in front of an attendance of 15,000 we did manage to lift the Scottish Champion Hurdle with 6/1 shor Anna Bunina. West Cork looked the likely winner inside the final two furlongs but John McConnells Anna Bunina used her flat speed to come through for a deserved success.
Welsh trainer Christain Williams sent out the first two home in the Scottish Grand National. The facile 13/2 winner Win My Wings was partnered to victory by County Wexford amateur rider Rob James who is excellent value for his seven-pound claim.
Leopardstown staged two Classic trials..In the colts trial Dr Zempf 11/10 was prominent throughout under Colin Keane and did well to see off the late challenge of Acropolis by half a length.
In the fillies classic trial 6/1 chance Homeless Songs came from off the pace to land the spoils for trainer Dermot Weld and jockey Chris Hayes.
On Sunday County Waterford owner and breeder Geraldine Fitzgerald had her colours carried to victory at Fairyhouse. Sent off a 28/1 shot her Irregularheartbeat raced up with the pace and digging deep came out on top in a tight finish.
In point-to-point racing news there were two Waterford victories at the Dromahane fixture in County Cork. Mount Melleray jockey Mikey Sweeney made every yard of the running to take the opening contest on Look To The West by 10 lengths. Owners The Old Fools Partnership and Cappagh trainer Declan Queally combined to capture the third contest with Carrigmorna Rowan adapting successful front running tactics eventually scoring by all of 16 lengths.
Upcoming Irish Fixtures
Wednesday, April 6th – Leopardstown 2.30 pm.
Thursday, April 7th – Limerick 1.55 pm and Gowran Park 4.15 pm.
Friday, April 8th – Ballinrobe 4.30 pm and Dundalk 5.20 pm.
Sunday, April 10th – The Curragh 1.20 pm and Tramore 2.15 pm.
Monday, April 11th – Tramore 4.30 pm.
Tuesday, April 12th – Dundalk 5.30 pm.