It was a strong week for Meath and Louth-linked trainers and jockeys across the country and beyond, with Gordon Elliott, Gavin Cromwell, Colin Keane and Andy McNamara all among the winners.
Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy kicked off the week with victory at Tipperary on Monday, as five-year-old Getaway Beo took the mares’ maiden hurdle, beating stablemate Clarnagh Maid by six lengths. Elliott and Kennedy later doubled up at Downpatrick, scoring with Someone’s Wish and the short-priced Pour Les Filles, before landing another win at Fairyhouse on Saturday with Relieved Of Duties in the beginners’ chase.
Navan brought a treble for Colin Keane, who closed the gap in the jockeys’ championship with wins on Chester Nimitz, Step Back In Time, and Forlio, while Michael Mulvany landed a double — including success with Boyne Valley.
Gavin Cromwell continued his strong run, notching up multiple winners across the week including Welonlyhavedone, Barry’s Spirit, and Juke Box Rock, before capping it off with a remarkable international victory as Stumptown became the first Irish-trained and ridden winner of the Velka Pardubicka in the Czech Republic.
Athboy trainer Andy McNamara enjoyed one of the shocks of the week at Fairyhouse when 50/1 outsider Hickeys Hill surged late to win the two-mile handicap hurdle.
At Dundalk, Tom McCourt’s 40/1 shot All The Girls stole the show in the fillies’ maiden, while Jack Davison’s Thunderbear landed the feature RFL Steels Stakes at Naas on Saturday.
The week ended with Colin Keane partnering Jessica Harrington’s Fleur De Chine to a 22/1 success in the Listed Bluebell Stakes at Naas, though Dylan Browne McMonagle remains seven winners clear in the championship.
