'Jumping in the Aga Khan was easy compared to watching that!' said Con Power after his son Robert partnered his first winner aboard Younevertoldme in the Ballymore Maiden Hurdle (Division 3).
Robert (20), who has representing Ireland in three-day eventing and was having only his third ride on the track, had the added pleasure of beating reigning champion Ruby Walsh in a close finish. The Jessica Harrington-trained 20/1 chance touched off well-backed newcomer King's Deal by a neck.
Walsh went one better half-an-hour later when odds-on Ballyamber benefited from a patient ride in the three miles Panoramic Restaurant Maiden Hurdle. The six-year-old headed Good Vintage at the final flight to score by six lengths, and trainer Willie Mullins plans to 'mix it between hurdles and chases this season'.
Ian Power proved an able deputy for the sidelined Paul Carberry on Native View, who justified strong support in division two of the maiden hurdle. Noel Meade's charge led before the last, and drew clear on the run-in to beat Boardwalk Knight by six lengths. Carberry is still sore after a fall at Mallow last Sunday, but expects to be back in action this weekend.
The Geraghty brothers, Barry and Ross, were both on the mark. Barry took division one of the maiden hurdle when leading three out aboard Pheisty to beat Castle Kevin by a diminishing length, while Ross was successful on Homestead in the Watchouse Cross Handicap Hurdle. This two and a half miles event was the subject of a number of gambles including third placed Some Buzz (12/1 to 9/2), but it was Eric McNamara's gelding who prevailed by two and a half lengths from Gemmas Lady.
Alan Magee
