There was some high class racing in the UK on Saturday where Irish bred horses acquitted themselves very well. In recent weeks Henrietta Knight and the Radford’s have enjoyed some well deserved success and they were on the mark again on Saturday with Calgary Bay (IRE) in the Skybet Chase at Doncaster. It was a fine performance by the 9yo who shrugged off the burden of top weight to beat Shakalakaboomboom (IRE) by 2 ½ lengths. The Aintree Grand National is now the plan for the son of Taipan who was bred by Eleanor Hadden of Coolruss Stud, who also had the pleasure of seeing other home-breds Fists Of Fury and Lyreen Legend running great races in defeat at Leopardstown. Calgary Bay was sold as a foal in Tattersalls Ireland for €8,700.

Another graduate of Tattersalls Ireland to impress was Kid Cassidy (IRE) who won the Grade 2 Lightning Novice Chase also at Doncaster for Nicky Henderson. The winner is quite headstrong but has a huge engine and though his task was eased by the early fall of Menorah he was still impressive for owner JP McManus. Kid Cassidy is by Beneficial and is a half brother to high class jumpers River City, Sound Accord and Wild Cane Ridge. He cost M.V Magnier €28,000 at Tattersalls Irelands Derby Sale three years ago. Tattersalls Ireland host a NH sale tomorrow with a quality selection of yearlings, older horses and broodmares on offer.

Rocky Creek (IRE) won the Grade 2 River Don Novice Hurdle for Paul Nicholls and the David Johnson/Stewart Family partnership and is a horse with a big future. He beat a good yardstick in Gullinbursti and is a fine looking horse who can only improve with time. He is a full brother to the ill-fated but very talented Tell Massini and like his brother he started out in an Irish point to point when winning a 5yo maiden at Carrigtwohill. Rocky Creek was bred by Colm Griffin and the horse he beat at Carrigtwohill is called Rolling Aces and he is also a promising novice hurdler for the Paul Nicholls yard.