"Only By Night shines in her chase debut, showcasing potential for greatness while Tipperary’s racing scene thrives with emerging talents, ensuring an exciting future for horse racing enthusiasts and the sport overall."
Gavin Cromwell's exceptional mare Only By Night made her mark as a promising chaser with an outstanding debut in the Tipperary Beginners Chase. A three-time bumper winner and maiden hurdle champion, she had previously showcased her ability last season, though her performance had waned towards the end of the campaign. This time, the seven-year-old put on a remarkable performance under the skilled guidance of jockey Keith Donoghue, claiming victory by six-and-a-half lengths over the heavily favored Mirazur West.
Although she had a slow start, Cromwell maintained his confidence, recognizing that his mare had shown to be 'good at jumping at home' and exhibited significant potential when under pressure. "I was concerned at one point, but she responded well when it mattered," Cromwell commented. "It was a solid performance, and she won’t have any issues racing over longer distances." With her first chasing experience now completed, Cromwell is both cautious and hopeful about the future for Only By Night. "We won’t hurry her, but there is a robust program available for mares, and we are also contemplating a trip to the UK with her," he noted.
Although Only By Night’s victory was the standout moment of the day, Willie Mullins, JP McManus, and Mark Walsh also enjoyed success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. The 11-10 favorite Sa Majeste showed determination to narrowly defeat front-runner Shannon Royale by a short head. Despite initial worries about his jumping technique, Walsh remains optimistic that the horse will improve as he becomes more accustomed to chasing. “He made a few mistakes at the hurdles, but he’s fundamentally a chaser,” stated his representative Frank Berry. “We’re hopeful that he’ll enhance his performance.”
Champion jockey Jack Kennedy had a significant fall from Cleatus Poolaw at the sixth fence, but fortunately, he came away with only minor injuries, highlighting the dangers that are part of the sport.
In another highlight, Darragh O’Keeffe, coming off a successful treble in Thurles, maintained his impressive form with a commanding victory on the promising Taponthego in the Visit Tipperary Maiden Hurdle. The even-money favorite showcased his talent by pulling ahead to win by nine lengths from McLaurey. "It’s fantastic for the team (Both Sides of the Water Syndicate) — they’ve shown great patience and are now reaping the rewards," said Robbie Power, a representative of the trainer. "The increased distance really suited him, and we’re eager to see how he develops, especially as he moves on to chasing next season.”
Maike Magnussen, who hails from Germany, celebrated her first victory in Ireland as her horse Moylussa won the Maiden Hurdle at TipperaryRaces.ie. Under the ride of Sean O’Keeffe, the six-year-old mare battled fiercely in the closing stages to overcome the joint-favorite French Hill. Additionally, Robert Tyner’s Irish Impulse built on his recent win in Clonmel by claiming victory in the Handicap Hurdle, with Ryan Treacy in the saddle.
In conclusion, Shraheen made a victorious comeback in the novice handicap hurdle after a six-month break, securing a win for trainer Philip Fenton and jockey Niall Moore, thereby concluding a fruitful day for the Tipperary racing community.
The world of horse racing is changing, with fresh and exciting talents coming to the forefront, and the recent performances in Tipperary have only increased the excitement for the upcoming season. With promising young horses like Only By Night demonstrating significant potential, it is evident that the future of the sport looks promising.
