Irish National winner Davids Lad failed to take advantage of a much lower rating
over hurdles, 99 compared to a chasing mark of 147, when a soundly beaten fifth behind Shareef Khan in the T B D Handicap Hurdle.
Tony Martin's charge was found to be distressed post-race when examined by the Turf Club vet, and the Meath handler was unwilling to think about any future plans after the reverse. Shareef Khan made smooth headway to strike the front before the last, and kept on well for Jimmy Mansell to beat Discerning Air by five lengths.
Penny Rich justified strong support (5/2 to 7/4 favourite) under a confident ride from John O'Meara in the Bausch & Lomb QR Race. The Tom Hogan-trained gelding headed Winter Man just inside the furlong pole to score by two and a half lengths, and could be sent over to Cheltenham next month for the Direct Answers Handicap Hurdle.
Penny Rich is a 50/1 chance for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle with Cashmans, and the Cork firm have introduced Harbour Pilot into their Royal & SunAlliance Chase betting at 20/1 after the six-year-old completed a double for Noel Meade and Norman Williamson in the WB Gavin & Co EBF Beginners Chase.
Williamson needed to take evasive action to avoid a loose horse on the long run-in before getting the better of Badger's Wood by 11 lengths. Woodys Blue Lagoon initiated the double for trainer and rider when readily landing the opening Mercer Hotel Novice Hurdle.
Ceoil Agus Craic heads next for the Cork National (November 11) after making all to take the Irish Independent Handicap Chase. The ten-year-old jumped well under John Cullen to beat Dromhale Lady by ten lengths, and winning trainer Michael Holden commented, 'He seems best when fresh, and is so tough and honest'.
Alan Magee
