The Flat handicapper will surely feature high on Tom Hogan's Christmas Card list with the Co Tipperary trainer winning his 9th handicap of the year with Common World's win in the Lecarrow Handicap, at Roscommon today.
Hogan's Flat horses have been in fine form again this year and Common World landed a fair gamble (7/1 - 100/30 favourite) when easily defying top weight in the E25,000 feature event.
The son of Spinning World was held up towards the rear before being produced by Seamus Heffernan to lead two furlongs out, eventually staying on strongly for an easy four length success.
Deputy editor of The Irish Field Mark Costello, husband of owner Teresa Costello, did reveal 'we had the intention of winning a race at The Curragh but the best he has managed there so far is only 12th!'
Hogan later added 'running here was like stealing candy and he was fully entitled to win from his rating. He'll go for the McDonough Handicap at Galway next.'
Thomond O'Mara is another due plenty of credit for training 52 rated Togher Castle to win his third race of the year, in the Ballybride Handicap.
A 16th win of the season for jockey Wayne Lordan, Togher Castle came out ahead in a blanket finish to the 7f contest, holding Wangara by a head, with a short head and a neck back to the third and fourth.
Jessica Harrington's Rathganley Lass improved on four bumper runs when landing the Roscommon Maiden Hurdle on her jumping debut.
Despite drifting to the left after jumping the last, Robert Power's mount stayed on to defeat 3/1 joint favourites Zululand and Coldwells.
Afterwards Harrington reported 'bumpers were too sharp for her and I am thrilled to win with her over hurdles. She will probably be stepped up to three miles now.'
The opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden went to Kevin Prendergast's impressive five length winner Talwin.
Well backed 7/4 favourite (from 5/2) Glasog raced keenly and could find no more once headed by the winner over one furlong out, with Talwin moving through for a comfortable success.
Val O'Brien's former bumper Ballygill Heights finally translated some decent form in 2003 into worthwhile hurdles form, with an easy win in the Flemings Super Valu Handicap Hurdle.
Ridden by the stylish Dennis O'Regan, Ballygill Heights (16/1) moved through to lead at the fifth last flight, eventually staying on well for a comfortable three and a half length win over Roundstone Lady.
Roundstone Lady's rider Ruby Walsh did visit the winner's enclosure half an hour later, winning on dual point to point winner Dix Villez, who landed the Bank Of Ireland Novice Hurdle for trainer Paul Nolan.
