Michael Halford is never far away from the winners enclosure these days, and he saddled a double here with Chanoud and In The Forge.
The Paul Carberry-ridden Chanoud defied topweight in the Shannon Handicap Hurdle when heading Dajazar at the final flight to score by four lengths. 'He will continue to mix it between the Flat and hurdles, but will be put away for the winter when the ground turns heavy', said Halford.
The Curragh trainer is now 11 ahead of his previous best total with 38 winners under both codes this year after In The Forge gained a hard-earned victory under Philip Dempsey in the bumper.
Paul Carberry had to play second fiddle to his younger brother Philip in the three miles Ballymurry Beginners Chase where Precious Music made all for a facile victory. Ger Farrell's charge maintained a clear advantage in the straight to beat the Halford-trained The Gypsy Baron by 20 lengths.
There was no shortage of incident in the opening Lough Ree Maiden Hurdle. The 4/1 favourite, The Flying Mustang, ran out at the first hurdle, and another four of the 20 runners crashed out in front of the stands at the sixth. Chamonix fell while in the lead, and brought down Coolteen Boy, Jolly Harvest and Mac An Ri.
The final flight had to be omitted on the next circuit as a result of the pile-up, and Brokey Belle slipped up as the remaining runners were squeezed for room when bypassing the hurdle. Indian Tom eventually came out on top, responding gamely to a strong drive from Kieran Gaule in the closing stages to beat Dathai Uisce by a length. 'He's a grand big horse, and should make a nice summer chaser in time', said trainer Tom Hogan.
Oliver Brady's celebrations in the winners enclosure have become part of Irish racing folklore, and he didn't let racegoers down when loudly cheering after Balapour took the Tully Maiden in great style. Tom Queally's mount drew clear in the final furlong to score by eight lengths, and will bid for a quick follow-up in a two miles handicap at Leopardstown on Saturday.
Fingal Nights finished with a flourish under Declan McDonogh to catch Minamala in the final strides of the Glenamaddy EBF Maiden. 'This may have come a bit too soon after her run at Fairyhouse as Declan felt she ran a bit flat. However she is a gutsy filly, and I will give her a little break before going for a nursery', said trainer Eddie Lynam, who was recording his ninth juvenile success of the campaign.
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