Barry Geraghty is making full use of the enforced absence of his nearest rivals at the head of the riders championship, and last season's leading claimer dominated proceedings with a near 170/1 treble to move onto the 63 winner mark for the campaign.
Geraghty teamed up with Cork trainer Eugene O'Sullivan for the first two legs of his treble with The Hen Hut and Bandon Valley, while he also successfully partnered the Noel Meade-trained Andrea Cova in an incident-packed novice chase.
The Hen Hut, sporting the colours of top British owner Trevor Hemmings, justifying strong support in the Comeragh Maiden Hurdle (Div 2). The six-year-old gelding made smooth headway to lead entering the straight, and kept on well for a cosy three length victory over Devoted King.
The Geraghty/O'Sullivan team followed up half-an-hour later when Bandon Valley made most in the Devils Bit Handicap Hurdle. The son of Montelimar rallied well under pressure when challenged by Knockrigg in the straight to prevail by three lengths.
Geraghty deputised for the injured Paul Carberry aboard Andrea Cova in the Knockmealdown Beginners Chase. The eight-year-old mare was never far off the pace, and regained the advantage at the last to beat Right'N'Royal by eight lengths.
Local trainer Tom Hogan warmed up for the Cheltenham Festival by saddling Native Sound to land the Silvermines Hurdle in the hands of capable claimer Emmett Stack. Hogan, who will have his first runner at the National Hunt Festival next week with recent acquisition Clash Of The Gales in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase, said: 'This mare has a smashing pedigree, and Emmett gave her a fine ride.'
The new betting ring reforms were patently ignored in the opening three races, with only a handful of bookmakers pricing up moments before the off.
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