Ruby Walsh again took the riding honours at Downpatrick when partnering a near 170/1 treble, highlighted by the victory of Lanmire Glen in the Powers Ulster National.
Lanmire Glen, the final leg of a Walsh treble at Limerick last week, repeated the feat in great style when leading before the last fence to beat Bobabout by nine lengths. Walsh and Flood were both winning this E27,500 event for the first time, and the Grangecon trainer later nominated the Midlands National at Uttoxeter as a likely target.
Pat Fahy provided Walsh with his other two winners on the afternoon as the they successfully teamed with Greenhall Rambler and Camdengreenmachine.
Greenhall Rambler opened her account when quickening up nicely at the final flight under to beat Mysterious Lass by ten lengths in the mares novice hurdle.
'She needs a decent bit of ground and, if she's in good form, will run again in a few weeks time,' said Fahy, who reports his Cheltenham hope Mariah Rollins in 'good form'.
Walsh employed similar tactics on Camdengreenmachine in the handicap hurdle, jumping to the front at the last and pushed out to beat Pasteur's Legacy by eight lengths.
The latest leg of the Martinstown Opportunity Hurdle series appropriately went to the J P McManus-owned The Kop End. The 4/6 favourite was always travelling well under Mark Walsh, and drew clear of Kaoutchou after the last to score by four lengths. 'We're delighted that the series is being well supported, and it's nice to win back some of the money,' said McManus' racing manager Frank Berry, who indicated the six-year-old may go for a winners' race.
Maid Of Dreams turned the mares beginners chase into a procession, stretching clear four out for Ross Geraghty to beat Best Wait by a facile 11 lengths. 'She will be covered this spring but the way she won there she should be able to win another before she goes to stud,' said trainer John Fowler.
Glenduff Bridge (4/7-2/5) was backed as if defeat was out of the question in the hunters chase but odds-on punters were made to sweat as Derek O'Connor's mount was all out to beat the front-running Sober Performance by 1 1/2L.
Alan Magee
