Charlie Swan took the riding honours when partnering a 359/1 treble in glorious sunshine, and the former champion had the added pleasure of training two of the winners, In The Hat and Dowdstown Star.
Swan oozed confidence aboard In The Hat in the featured John J Galvin Handicap Hurdle, easing past the front-running River Shamrock between the final two flights before going on to beat Nuzum Road Makers by three-and-a-half lengths. 'He really bounced off that ground, and is the type that will be kept on the go in staying handicaps over the summer,' said the Cloughjordan trainer/rider.
Dowdstown Star struck the front after two out in the Rover Handicap Hurdle, keeping on well to beat long-time leader Putsometnby by three-and-a-half lengths, with the flattering Dalian Dawn the same distance back in third.
Swan initiated his treble in the saddle aboard Bansha Hero in the Ballybunion Maiden Hurdle, although the Pat Hughes-trained gelding needed a strong drive from the former champion to beat Executive Ben by a length. 'He stays well, but would appreciate a bit more cut in the ground,' said Hughes afterwards.
The fast ground was again the main talking point, with a massive 51 horses withdrawn for 'various reasons'. The Tanavalla Beginners Chase was one of the races decimated with non-runners, and Park Leader took advantage when holding off the challenge of Goldenhalo by one-and-a-half lengths. 'That was probably not the greatest contest but, for a horse who hasn't a great action, he handles that firm ground well,' said trainer Paul Nolan.
The jackpot pool, boosted by a rollover of E10,000 from Saturday, swelled to E21,933 and three punters each went home with a dividend of E5,483 after Castlerueanna caused a 16/1 surprise in the Jackie & Gene Handicap Chase.
Alan Magee
