A dramatic williamhill.ie Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan went to Notre Pere and the Jim Dreaper stable.
The seven-year-old was never far off the early pace under Andrew Lynch and avoided the drama five fences from home, where Chelsea Harbour not only unseated his rider but also carried out the Paul Nicholls-trained market leader Officier De Reserve.
Operation Houdini edged into the lead after three out, but Notre Pere (6-1) battled back and after jumping best at the next, held on grimly on the run-in to score by a length.
The Grade Two ?Monksfield? Novice Hurdle resulted in a bloodless victory for Noel Meade?s unbeaten Pandorama.
Taking a big step up in class having landed two bumpers and a maiden hurdle, the Flemensfirth gelding (8-13 favourite) could hardly have been more impressive, settling behind the early leaders and moving up to join Alpha Ridge four hurdles from the finish.
Paul Carberry was still holding on to his mount as he opened up a lead and although rather diving at the third-last, the outcome was never in doubt as he scored by 26 lengths.
Tharawaat (4-6 favourite) was also in a different league to his opponents in the opening Cussack Hotels 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle, coasting to a 23-length success.
Settled in third through the early stages, Gordon Elliott?s youngster was coaxed to the front as they turned into the straight and Davy Russell barely moved a muscle as the son of Alhaarth drew clear.
Willie Mullins? French import Mikael D?Haguenet made an impressive start for his new handler in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle.
The 11-4 shot was held up by Paul Townend, but produced a telling burst of speed when asked to go and win his race approaching the final flight and had four and a half lengths in hand over favourite Realt Dubh at the line.
It looked like hard work in the williamhillcasino.com Handicap Hurdle, but Dunroe Lady (7-1) stayed on best of all to win.
Tom Doodle produced a late challenge, but a tired jump at the last scuppered what hopes he had and Dunroe Lady went on to win by six lengths.
This e-mail is from the PA Group. For more information, see www.thepagroup.com. This e-mail may contain confidential information. Only the addressee is permitted to read, copy, distribute or otherwise use this email or any attachments. If you have received it in error, please contact the sender immediately. Any opinion expressed in this e-mail is personal to the sender and may not reflect the opinion of the PA Group. Any e-mail reply to this address may be subject to interception or monitoring for operational reasons or for lawful business practices.
© www.irish-racing.com
