Luck Should Return For the Irish

Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
The Australian team got off to a flying start in the first race of the annual Australia versus Ireland Jumps Challenge at Gawler on Wednesday but the visitors are sure to bounce back at Morphettville tomorrow.

Aussie riders Grant Young and Steven Pateman quinellaed the Highweight Handicap, earning five points, while Irish rider Sean McDermott picked up a point for finishing fourth – the home team going to a four point lead.

But the Irish team look to have some excellent mounts at Morphettville this weekend for the final two South Australian races in the series.

In the Samuel Smith Steeplechase (3600m), Irish riders Sean McDermott and Danny Howard have drawn the two early favourites – Zidane and Gilligan respectively.

In the Clancy’s Hurdle (3284m), the visiting team has again drawn the early favourite, Liston, with Mark Madden in the saddle. Next best in early markets is The Rampager, who will be ridden by Grant Young.

Full points are on offer in Saturday’s two feature races – 12 for first, six for second, four for third place and two for fourth.

After Saturday, the series then moves to Victoria for five feature races over the next week.

Both jumps races at Morphettville on Saturday are also the final two races in the "Over The Rainbow" Series.

Hurdlers Kastabon and Voodoo Sunset, both engaged on Saturday, are fighting out the finish in the Best Performed Horse category, with 20 and 17 points respectively. Grant Young – on 17 points – is well clear in the riders’ title, five points ahead of Cieron Maher (12) and Steven Pateman and Jamie Julian (nine points).

It should prove an interesting finish to the trainers title, with Brett Bastin (20 points), Ron Campbell (17), Eric Musgrove (14) and David Halliday (12) all being represented by runners on Saturday.

Along with what always proves a fun Irish day at Morphettville, the meeting is complimented by the running of the Listed Yalumba "The Signature" Handicap, featuring some excellent local sprinters and the most promising Great Glen.

As well, top trainer Tony McEvoy will use the track for an exhibition gallop for two of his spring team – Elegant Fashion and Pompous. Elegant Fashion is a multiple Group winner and is being aimed at the Caulfield Cup, while Pompous is resuming from a long break but was a stakes winner at his only start at Caulfield.

Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)