Shop DJ brings National Hunt to the Curragh

By Caitriona Fenton

Fame and Glory was back in winning form at the Curragh on Monday after claiming the High Chaparral EBF Mooresbridge Stakes. Last year’s Irish Derby winner landed this prize in impressive fashion, beating Recharge by a comfortable five lengths. However as a predominantly National Hunt fan I was soon drawn to the Rockview Qualified Riders NH Flat Race and the winner, Shop DJ. It is rare that a former point-to-point winner graces the winner’s enclosure at The Curragh but this unique race is only one of a few races that manages to makes it possible.

Shop DJ, a 14/1 shot, was trained by Jarlath Fahey and ridden by his nephew Mark. The Dushyantor mare battled on tenaciously to get her head in front of Endless Intrigue in the final strides to win narrowly. The five-year-old secured her first win under rules last month in a bumper at Cork. With prior experience over hurdles under her belt, she could be worth following this season.

This was the last race of the Rockview series which was sponsored by Barry Connell. Patrick Mullins was the overall winning jockey of the series for the third year in a row with Mark Fahey finishing second.

There was another promising horse seen at Down Royal on Monday in Sarteano. The Dessie Hughes-trained gelding claimed the Daily Mirror Handicap Chase. Young Kerry jockey Paddy Kennedy steered the seven-year-old gelding, who looked like he was appreciating a change in ground conditions, home for an easy win. He jumped spectacularly and he will be one to watch out for at this summer’s upcoming festivals. He may even be a Galway Plate hopeful.

Trimbellina and Adenauer were two that were not so lucky this weekend, but they are up and coming and will be a force when next seen. At Limerick on Sunday, Trimbellina was the 9/4 joint favourite in the Mares Beginners Chase. The half-sister to Watson Lake led from early and looked to have the race in the bag when she crashed out at the last, handing the race to Cruising Katie.

In a similar scenario, the Edward O’Grady trained Adenauer departed at the last in the SCA Nutrition Handicap Chase when staying on well in second place. This was a vast improvement on the form he showed on heavier ground during the winter. Before the fall he jumped well and raced as though a longer trip than this two miles and three furlongs would suit. Assuming that these two horses are none the worse for their falls, they should both make up for their mistakes before too long.

With so much racing taking place during the summer, both Flat and National Hunt, it is hard to keep track of potentially talented horses. As we all know things don’t always go to plan – St. Nicholas Abbey, a prime example. Hopefully the Irish Guineas will showcase some Irish talent – maybe in the form of Steinbeck in the 2,000 and the Kevin Prendergast-trained Termagant in the 1,000.

By Caitriona Fenton