Limerick trainers and jockeys enjoy successful spell on the track

BALLINGARRY jockey Billy Lee added to his opening weekend winner at the Curragh as he partnered the Paddy Twomey -trained French Claim to win the 14-furlong conditions’ race at Navan on Wednesday last.

At odds of 4/9 favourite, the four-year-old led before the straight and came home a seven and a half-length winner from the Jessica Harrington-trained Taipan.

Limerick hosted its famed Student Day on Thursday and among the winners on the all-National Hunt card was the Eric McNamara-trained Alpesh Amin which is owned by Olivia Long. A 4/1 favourite in the hands of Mark McDonagh, he led early in the straight and held off the challenge of the Shark Hanlon-trained Teescomponentsyess to win by a neck.

Another Limerick-trained winning favourite was the Charles Byrnes-trained Aodhan May which landed the three-mile one-furlong handicap chase at Wexford on Friday evening.

Ridden by the trainer’s son Philip, the 3/1 chance looked to have it all to do as he trained 7/2 shot Fox Le Bel by all of five lengths at the final fence but she picked up well to lead in the closing stages to beat Liz Doyle’s charge by two lengths.

Byrnes was also among the winners at Dundalk on the same evening as Miss Abby Jools took the eight-furlong handicap under apprentice Adam Caffrey. Formerly trained by Michael Halford, the four-year-old was having her second start for new connections and came late to beat the James McAuley-trained Royal Tribute by a neck for owner Steven Heaphy.

Billy Lee was a winner again as Relevant Range took the earlier maiden over the same distance. Trained by Lee’s sister Gillian Scott, the 100/30 chance led at the two-furlong pole to beat the Ger Lyons-trained 8/15 favourite Rick Dalton by half a length in the colours of the Irrelevant Syndicate.

Upcoming Fixtures:

Leopardstown – Wednesday, April 5 (First Race 1.55pm)

Bellewstown – Thursday, April 6 (First Race 1.20pm)

Clonmel – Thursday, April 6 (First Race 4pm)

Cork – Saturday, April 8 (First Race 1.15pm)

Fairyhouse – Saturday, April 8 (First Race 2.10pm)

Fairyhouse – Sunday, April 9 (First Race 1.25pm)

Cork – Sunday, April 9 (First Race 1.10pm)