Jessica Harrington's two-pronged assault on Thurles yesterday reaped a handsome dividend when both of her challengers, Soltero and Intelligent, duly obliged.
The Ballynonty Novice Hurdle attracted plenty of interest with the useful Rathgar Beau and Start Clipper going off at the head of affairs in the market but it was 11/2 shot Soltero that came out on top when he kept on well up front after the penultimate flight under an inspired ride from Ruby Walsh.
Half-an-hour later the Moone handler was back in the winners enclosure after Intelligent justified favouritism under an ultra confident ride from Robbie Power. The even money chance forged into the lead over the second last under a tight rein and when D'ygrande threw down a challenge running down to the final flight Intelligent responded gamely and drew away again for a two length success.
'It's great to see them back in good form. Some of them were coughing before Christmas but last weekend they seemed to be back to their best. I'm delighted,' said Jessica Harrington afterwards.
Ruby Walsh, successful in the opener, doubled up later when he teamed up with Eric McNamara's Keepakicker to win the first division of the Cahir Handicap Hurdle. 'Poetry-in-motion' summed up the winning ride by McNamara, who added of the Red Star Syndicate-owned gelding, 'He has schooled over fences and at least he should match his hurdling form when he does go chasing.'
Ahead Of The Posse and Jimmy Mansell foiled a Walsh treble bid aboard Dalian Dawn in the second division much to the joy of local permit holder Eddie Hayden, who has just four horses in training, while Ballinrobe-based Michael Flannery struck in the next with recent course winner Sharp Risk.
One lucky Jackpot investor will always hold fond memories of the session when Miss Joppy scored under Keith Mercer in the first division of the bumper resulting in a dividend of 18,302.20.
