Newcomer Reminiscer landed a major gamble in the Cahir 3-year-old hurdle at a rain-lashed Thurles yesterday to give Armagh-born Peter Corrigan his first success as a trainer.
Backed at 20/1 in the offices in the morning, and from 10/1 to 7/2 on course, Shay Barry`s mount dug deep when challenged by Environment to hold that rival by a short head.
'This is a nice horse, who has been denied a run until now through bad weather and ballotting ; he may go for the `Dennys` at Leopardstown next,' said a delighted Corrigan, who is now based at the Curragh.
Kadouko, carrying the colours of prominent British race sponsor George Ward, took the opening EBF Beginners` Chase in good style.
The seven year-old appeared to have the measure of nearest rival The Bunny Boiler when that one exited at the final fence, allowing him to come home in his own time for a nine-length triumph.
'He seems to run best first time out, and his previous experience was a big help there,' opined succesful trainer Arthur Moore, who is likely to aim the winner at a handicap over the Christmas period.
O`Dwyer went on to complete a brace when the well-supported Shuttleworth landed the INH Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle, continuing a good run for trainer Eddie Hales.
There was a dramatic climax to the Templemore Handicap Chase when market leader This Is Serious, who had just gone into the lead and looked sure to score, took a crashing fall at the last.
His departure left Joyful River and Leap Year Man to fight out the finish, with the latter just prevailing to end a long losing sequence for jockey Denis Leahy.
Favourite backers suffered another blow when Toolong slipped on landing and came down two out in the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle.
However, it looked as though the 4/5 shot was just coming under pressure at the time, and it is doubtful whether he would have coped with Enda Bolger`s Seymour Breeze.
Backed from 5/1 into 3/1, this point-to-point winner jumped well throughout and had a comfortable 3 1/2 lengths to spare over Dochas Mor at the line, with the pair a distance clear of the rest.
Shay Barry, successful aboard Reminiscer, was once more the scourge of the bookies when Moneyinthebank (supported from 10/1 into 7/1) romped home in the Munster Handicap Hurdle.
