There were dramatic conclusions to the opening two races at Roscommon today with jockeys Denis O'Regan and Ian Power arriving late in both hurdles to record wins on a day when absent trainer Pat Flynn recorded his 500th training success.
Frank Ennis' So Determined, under Barry Geraghty, looked to have the opening maiden hurdle in the bag in spite of a bad mistake at the final flight, when five lengths clear.
However, the horse's efforts were not matched by those of Connemara Rose, under Denis O'Regan, who stayed on strongly to 'nail' So Determined close home.
Unfortunately, the challenging Keyfield Princess, who fell when in contention at the third last flight, sustained fatal injuries in her fall.
There was plenty to talk about half an hour later following the conclusion of the Keenan Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle which was won by Robbie Burns' 14/1 shot Samotwo.
Gambled on favourite Danse Macabre (4/1 - 5/2) weakened quickly from the fifth last and trailing in second last, while at the business end of the race, Dunguaire Lady then Aoife's Tiny threatened before Samotwo stayed on late for a 2l success.
The win was a welcome success for jockey Ian Power who was recording his first win since riding Bassett Tiger to win at Wexford last July.
Three times Cheltenham winning trainer Pat Flynn was not present to witness his 500th racecourse success when Otavi received a well judged ride from Christopher Geoghegan to win the Roosky Handicap.
Trainer Val O'Brien produced Bunts Lleep fit and well to win on his handicap chase debut in the J.F. Hanley Groundspare Handicap Chase.
The son of Montelimar, a full brother to three park winners including the smart Assessed, was held up in rear by Tom Treacy before making steady headway from the four last fence, before striking the front on the run to the final fence.
At the line Bunts Lleep held a five length lead over well backed 9/4 favourite Carndale.
Jockey Shane Gorey excelled on Harmani who made all to win the Tulsk Handicap for trainer John O'Shea while Robbie Osbourne's 16/1 newcomer San Giustino lowered the colours of better bred rivals to win the Lynam Merit (C & G) Maiden.
