Thomas O'Leary's high class hurdler Scarthy Lad appears back on track following his cantering success in the Listed Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles today.
Although his four rivals did not run to their best form, Scarthy Lad could have gone around again, jumping well before easing clear for an eleven length win.
Afterwards O'Leary mentioned that Barry Geraghty's mount 'was not right at Clonmel (when a fortunate winner over fences) in November and he returned lame.'
He added 'Fergie Sutherland wanted me to send him to physio Sarah McDonald and she has made him into a new horse. Nobody knew what was wrong with the horse but has appeared a different horse today.'
The Irish Arkle is next on Scarthy Lad's agenda while Cashmans quote him 20/1 (fromm 33/1) for the English version.
The Heineken WT O'Grady Memorial Hurdle went to Tom Mullins' All Heart. The daughter of Alhharth led at the second last, keeping on well for a five length win over 6/4 favourite Grangehill Dancer.
According to Mullins, 'she is improving all the time and I expect her to improve further now. The Triumph Hurdle is a long way away now but who knows!'
The win was a lucky break for Ruby Walsh with All Heart's regular jockey Anthony Freeman unable to take the ride due to his license not being renewed in time.
Walsh completed a double an hour later, on Mr Babbage in the INH Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle.
Trainer Willie Mullins was impressed by the winner's performance in battling to see off the challenge of Simon from the final flight. He stated 'he's tough and stays well and will be aimed at long distance novice hurdles now. Longterm, he's an out and out chaser with a big future.'
The opening Thurles Handicap Chase was won in effortless fashion by John Joe Walsh's Island Pride.
The winner, second at Limerick over Christmas on his previous run, left his jockey Ken Whelan without a moments worry, drawing clear from three out for a twelve length win over Indian Tom.
Walsh later commented 'I knew on today's ground he'd be hard to beat. His run at Limerick was very good and he'll stay three miles.'
Amateur jockey Caroline Hutchinson saddled Aqua Breezer to win the Cashel Maiden Hurdle under Tom Ryan. Hutchinson mentioned that 'she'll make a fine chaser but we'll wait and see what the handicapper does now.'
The Jack Of Trumps Racing Club's Black Dot Com provided Enniscorthy based trainer Aileen O'Connor with her first training success in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle while John Bleahen's newcomer Lakil House landed the bumper under Derek O'Connor.
