Mick Halford brought his tally under both codes to 34 for the calendar year when successful with Ikdam Melody and Harry The Ear in front of a large crowd at the midlands track.
Ikdam Melody was sent on before two out by Adrian Lane in the three mile maiden hurdle, and quickened clear off the home turn to beat An Fraoch Mor by eight lengths. 'He loved that good ground, and Adrian gave him a lovely ride. He's a little bit weak at the moment, but should be able to handle softer ground in time,' said Halford.
Harry The Ear was also sent off evens favourite for the two mile maiden hurdle. However, punters had a few anxious moments after Paul Carberry switched the four-year-old when failing to get a run up the inner early in the straight, and he flew home on the run-in to just peg back Patrizio. 'His jumping was a bit sketchy, and he should improve when getting his act together,' said Halford.
Keith Hadnett was also in double form on the evening when successful aboard Fey Macha and Brownie Returns. Fey Macha and Gli Gli were backed to the exclusion of the other 12 runners in the mares novice hurdle, and Hadnett's mount headed the front-running favourite at the final flight to score by a length.
Galway Plate hero Hadnett moved onto the 12 winner mark for the season when Brownie Returns made virtually all in the opportunity handicap chase. The Mouse Morris-trained front-runner put in a fine round of jumping, and stayed on strongly from two out to beat See More Perks by nine lengths.
Putsometnby gained a deserved win under Garrett Cotter in the beginners chase, striking the front before the last to beat Manacured by a length. Trainer Kevin O'Brien afterwards nominated a novice at Tralee as the next objective.
Bookmakers gained relief in the featured handicap hurdle where veteran course specialist Benny The Bishop recorded a shock victory. The 12-year-old asserted in the straight to beat Samasakhan by two lengths, and trainer Cecil Ross explained afterwards, 'He loves it around here and, when conditions are right (fast ground), this place is worth a stone to him.'
Alan Magee
