Clonmel escaped much of the heavy rain that hit the eastern half of the country, and Kieran Kelly took the riding honours with a 15/1 plus double aboard Central House and Victor Boy.
Central House took the opening maiden hurdle in fine style, cruising to the front early in the straight and quickening up nicely on the run-in to beat Rob The Five by six lengths. 'He did it well, and will probably go for a novice hurdle at the Durkan meeting in Punchestwon next month. He's a good jumper, and looks like a chaser,' said trainer Dessie Hughes.
The Curragh handler also had news of his stablestar Colonel Braxton. 'He's been rated 136 by the handicapper, and I'm thinking of going for the Paddy Power Chase. He'll have a run somewhere before Leopardstown.'
Kelly later doubled up when partnering Victor Boy to land the handicap chase. Ger Keane's charge traveled well to strike the front two out, but needed to be driven right out in the closing stages to hold off Mackinus by a neck.
The Thyestes Handicap Chase was mentioned as a possible target for The Premier Cat, who surprised trainer Tom Cahill when taking the two miles beginners chase. The six-year-old appeared beaten in third when touching down after the last, but stayed on best on the uphill climb to the line to beat Boneyarrow by a length and a half, with Kapok holding every chance just a length back in third.
Pat Sinnott will aim Larry Hogan at the Final of the INH Stallion Owners Hurdle Series after the six-year-old got the better of My Native Donegal on the run-in to score by a length in the hands of Keith Hadnett. Paul Carberry, who rode the runner-up, was stood down from his three remaining mounts by Turf Club doctor Walter Halley after feeling unwell with a stomach bug.
Horner Rocks (6/1 to 4/1) justified good support in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle, digging deep in the straight for Barry Geraghty to overcome the flattering Lesssaidthebetter by a length and a half.
Alan Magee
