Two exciting novice hurdlers were on show at Naas on Saturday, one an impressive winner and the other an unfortunate loser.
Cashmans cut Catch Me to 6/1f from 8/1 for the SunAlliance Hurdle at Cheltenham after an impressive performance in the Fishery Lane Hurdle.
Barry Geraghty had the gelding to the fore throughout and he skipped clear before four out. Breathing Fire tried to throw down a challenge in the straight but was a spent force after the last, going down by seven lengths.
'I think he stepped up a bit from his first run and I hope he keeps stepping up,' said trainer Edward O'Grady.
'He's in the Royal Bond but nothing is set in stone for him. The only thing that's set in stone is that I want him for next March.'
There was drama in the opening Racing Again At Naas on 7th January Hurdle when 11/8f Aran Concerto crashed through the rails at the second last.
Noel Meade's charge had just cruised to the front but ballooned the flight and was hampered by faller Lusikisiki. The Railway Man was left to come home an easy five-length winner as Aran Concerto finished sixth.
Meade reported his charge had emerged unscathed: 'He's okay. He was a bit sore on his mouth and ran away from that a bit. The combination of greenness and that probably caused the problem.
'He didn't jump well and has jumped better at home - hurdles are too small for him really. Paul said he gave him some feel. He's special this fellow.'
Winning trainer Arthur Moore was pleased to get the season off to a winning start with his charge: 'We're looking forward to the season with him now. He'll be entered in the Durkan Chase (Punchestown 11th December).'
Moore went on to complete a double with Well Tutored in the www.tote.ie Handicap Chase.
The local handler was full of praise for Philip Carberry, who prouced the gelding at the last and went on to score by four lengths from Allez Petit Luis.
'He gave him a lovely ride. He lost his way a bit at the end of last season and I'm very pleased with that. The Paddy Power would be a nice race to try him in.'
Meade and Carberry had better lucky later in the day when grabbing a brace courtesy of Jaamid and Cavallo Classico.
Jaamid led before the last to claim the Morrin Mortgages Handicap Hurdle while Cavallo Classico stayed on strongly to lead two out and land the goracingatnaasracourse.com Handicap Chase.
Young Desperado sprang a 20/1 shock in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase when defying a 636-day absence.
Robert Tyner's charge ran out an impressive winner, leading before the last under Philip Enright, and pulling away down the straight to record a 17-length verdict.
'He looked a very promising horse in his younger days but disappointed a bit. He got a knock and was off for a few years. He has been working well and schooling well recently,' said Tyner.
