Pat Shanahan took the riding honours at this seven race mixed meeting when completing a near 14/1 double aboard Senators Alibi and Clew Bay.
Thomond O'Mara saddled his eighth winner of the year, but first of the current Flat campaign for the dual purpose Fethard trainer, when Senators Alibi rallied gamely inside the final furlong to edge out Flying Boat by a neck in the Nash Beverages Handicap. 'He wanted that ground, and will eventually jump hurdles. He's schooled well,' said O'Mara.
He also had to work hard on Clew Bay in the Harrison O'Dowd Solicitors Handicap, with the Con Collins-trained colt getting the better of a protracted battle with the flattering Emperor Naheem - the pair pulling 13 lengths clear of the remainder.
Shanahan was among a group of six jockeys in action at both Irish meetings as he sped off to the Leopardstown evening fixture by helicopter along with Pat Smullen, Tadhg O'Shea, Niall McCullagh, Wayne Smith and Fran Berry.
Lady Barbara upset some higher rated rivals in the www.limerick-racecourse.com Median Auction Race, striking the front at the furlong pole for Wayne Lordan to beat Lady Digby by two-and-a-half-lengths. 'She likes cut in the ground, and was suited by the step up to a mile,' said trainer Tommy Stack, who will try the well-bred filly in Listed company.
The New Course Handicap Hurdle was the most valuable event on this mixed card, and Message Recu recorded what seemed an unlikely victory at the penultimate flight. Native Sparkle held a clear advantage at this point, but Kieran Kelly's mount made relentless headway to snatch the lead close home. 'He's had a problem with sore heels behind that hasn't been easy to get right. The (Cathedral) syndicate are from Galway, and he will be aimed for a race at the Festival,' said Edward O'Grady, who was sending out his first winner of the new jumps season.
The in-form Paul Carberry was again on the mark when Knockawad landed in front after the last to beat Gothic Lord by a length in the White Rabbit Web Centre Chase. 'He's a consistent sort, and could revert to hurdles at the Galway Festival,' said local trainer Michael Hourigan of the well-backed 2/1 favourite.
Aye Surely gave trainer Donie Hassett a 'pleasant surprise' when taking the Outdoor Home Company Handicap Chase under Keith Hadnett, staying on best on the run-in to beat Keeponthesunnyside by a length.
Alan Magee
