Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell, whose Ear To The Ground was demoted after a stewards enquiry at Naas on Wednesday, enjoyed a major reversal of fortune at Dundalk yesterday evening when saddling his first ever treble.
Joe Casey partnered the opening two hurdle winners, Dajazar and Oneofthesimpsons, while Grianan Realta completed the hat-trick under Colm O'Donoghue in the 0-75 handicap.
Dajazar was prominent throughout in the Dromiskin Maiden Hurdle, and kept on well in the straight to hold the gambled-on Galway Breeze by a length. 'The blinkers are a big help to him, and he will go for a handicap at Galway', said Rothwell afterwards.
Oneofthesimpsons led before the last to take the Forkhill Handicap Hurdle, and heads to the Killarney Festival next week for a three mile handicap.
Grianan Realta rounded off a great evening for Rothwell when striking the front inside the final furlong of the Carrickdale Handicap before holding Headfort Rose by a neck.
'That really makes up for losing the race at Naas. My horses were a bit flat for a few weeks, but thankfully they are right back to form now', said a delighted Rothwell.
Michael Halford has his team in top form at present, and the Curragh handler recorded his 22nd winner under both codes since the foot and mouth outbreak when Northern Mill landed the Carlingford Handicap.
Reigning Flat champion Pat Smullen moved onto the 30 winner mark for the campaign when Nonchalant justified favouritism in the Drumcar Maiden. Frances Crowley's charge led early in the straight for a workmanlike three length verdict over main market rival Pasteur. Crowley later doubled up when Oncourse made a successful debut in the bumper.
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