Former smart Flat racer Qassas made all for a two length win in the Sporting Press Maiden Hurdle, at Clonmel today, providing trainer Mick Murphy with his third career winner.
Ridden by Davy Russell, the former Kevin Prendergast inmate (rated 85 on the Flat) was soon clear, and although coming under pressure in the home straight, stayed on to hold off Sioux Falls.
Afterwards Murphy mentioned 'the blinkers helped him concentrate today and he wants good ground.'
He added 'He'll go for a winners' race at Tipperary next Thursday and will mix it between jumps and Flat over the summer, with Galway high on his list of targets.
Agent Gerry Hogan bought him for me at Newmarket Sales last November for Stg#40,000.'
Pat Flynn's Pacolet landed the feature race, the E20,000 Frank Kearney Memorial Tipperary Perpetual Cup Handicap.
Ridden by Danny Grant, amazing value for his 3lb claim, tracked the leaders before Grant pushing the son of Revoque through to lead early in the straight, eventually staying on for a 1 1/2l win over Anxious Moments.
Flynn later reported 'I've won this race a few times in the past and it's nice to win it again: Pacolet will be kept for the GPT Amateur Riders' Handicap at Galway now.'
Lesley Young's For A Song got the better of a tight battle with Fivestar Alstars when winning the Slievenamon Handicap Hurdle under Ruby Walsh.
Afterwards Young reported 'he's a real chaser in the making but may be given a break now before going to for another handicap at the Galway Festival.'
Gerry Keane's yard has hit form in recent weeks and he saddled Harry Husyan to a narrow win in the J.Winston Building Contractors Handicap Chase, under Denis O'Regan.
Afterwards, Keane stated 'Harry Husyan is a quirky character but is a good horse in that company. He'll be kept chasing during the summer and loves good ground.'
The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden went to Strath Gallant, under Pat Smullen, who made all but needed to be driven out for a three parts of a length win over Shamaiyla.
Trainer Dermot Weld was absent but his son Chris later reported 'although the ground and track didn't suit him, he did it well enough in the end. His coat still isn't quite right and we'll find a handicap for him next.'
Drogheda restricted licence holder George Kingston, who took out his licence three years ago, recorded his first winner when Hit The Target landed the Klisheelan Handicap, under Colm O'Donoghue.
The 40 rated daughter of Elbio chased the leaders before progressing to lead over one furlong out, staying on for an all out head win over Misty Island.
Kingston later revealed 'being bottom rated and unplaced in two previous starts, Hit The Target would have been disqualified from Flat racing in Ireland if she failed to finish in the first five today.'
