Killowenly Boy landed the Garryrichard Stud Tetratema Perputual Cup Hunters Chase but only after a final fence scare as Jamie Codd did well to keep the partnership intact.
Codd (20), recording his third winner under rules following a bumper and hurdle success, was shot out of the saddle after the James Burns-trained gelding hit the last fence. However he held on grimly, and kept the seven-year-old going to hold on by a length from long-time leader Sober Performance.
Championship leader Paul Carberry was also seen to good effect aboard Aughawillan in division three of the EBF Maiden Hurdle. The Meathman was hard at work from a long way out, but his persistence paid off as the gelding led before the last to beat Go On Eileen by a length and a half. 'He races very lazily, and Paul gave him a great ride. He wants good ground, and will probably go chasing soon,' said trainer Noel Meade.
Golfeur made all under Barry Geraghty in division two, staying on strongly from two out to beat the flattering Gimme Gimme by four lengths.
Copernicus was another front-runner to collect in the Mount Leinster Novice Chase, shrugging off the challenge of Michael Mor after the last to score by four lengths in the hands of John Cullen. 'He seems to be best at two to two and a half miles, and I'll find something for him at the Punchestown Festival,' said trainer Pat Hughes.
Roddy MacKenzie, 22 from Co. Tyrone, partnered his second winner when Marys Madera held the challenge of Dangerousdanmagru by a length in the Thomastown Handicap Hurdle.
Alan Magee
