'She flew round in second gear' - Venusienne in a different stratosphere to her rivals under Paul Townend

Paul Townend took the trip south for just one ride and Venusienne made it worthwhile as she proved to be in a different stratosphere to her rivals in the 2m4½f mares’ maiden hurdle. The debut French Listed hurdle runner-up had 27 lengths to spare as she notched her first victory at the prohibitive price of 2-7.

She had been set a couple of tall tasks last season after joining the Closutton yard, including running in the Cheltenham Mares' Novice Hurdle on her stable debut. She is clearly well regarded and although this was a weak race, she jumped cleanly and the ease of her success was noteworthy.

“It was probably not the strongest of races ever but you would have to like what she did,” Townend said. “She jumped fantastic and I got a great feel off her. Softer ground shouldn’t inconvenience her. She flew around here in second gear, so hopefully she has a bright future.”

Casey on a roll

Wins are like buses for trainer Francis Casey. He waited over three years for one and now two have arrived in a week, courtesy of his rapid improver Rock Ya Boy Ya. 

A maiden on the Flat and winless from 28 starts before his success at Killarney four days previously, the seven-year-old came into the 2m handicap hurdle 6lb well in and justified his 7-4 favouritism by pulling clear of the field after jumping the last hurdle. 

The win provided claiming rider Alix Balfe with the fourth win of his career and broke a course hoodoo for the winning trainer. 

“We’ve never had a winner here before,” Casey said. “It got to the stage that we just wouldn’t go here, but they have improved the facilities down in the yard and everything. 

“I don’t know what the handicapper will give him now, but look, we have two wins, we can’t complain, considering it took him 28 times to win. 

“They are racing here for the new year and he could go for a beginners’ chase or something. I have no worries about coming down here anymore. I thought it was the bogey.”

Mullins doubles up

Brian Hayes took the riding duties for Mullins' second winner of the day, May Call You Back, in the 1m7½f handicap chase. The seven-year-old was a winning hurdler at the track and added a third chase win to her profile with a hard-fought victory. 

She looked like a comfortable winner jumping the last but connections can be thankful for the short run-in at Tramore as Sayitfirst made rapid headway to force a photo and even a stewards' enquiry. The 7-4 favourite was on the right side of both.

Hayes said: "She was very game. She was mad tough. She took a while to get going again after the last and kind of idled on the run-in. I think she's better over fences, she has loads of scope and she likes it around here."

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