Ground Ball, who crashed out at the last when running a race full of credit behind Barrow Drive at Tramore only five days previous, got back in the winning groove at Thurles yesterday when taking the featured conditions chase.
David Casey, completing a double, didnt have to get serious with his mount in the closing stages to dispose of second market choice, Jurado Express by twelve lengths.
Trainer, Charlie Swan explained afterwards though he took a horrible fall last time, he wasnt even sore after it and a winners of two will probably be next on his agenda.
Casey earlier had to work harder to initiate the brace. Punters were very clear on the one they favoured in what looked something of a match here.
Partnering Seaforde for Mouse Morris in the four-year-old hurdle, the second favourite looked likely to yield to the strong challenge of 4/5 shot, Nopekan on the run in.
However pulling out that bit extra in a driving finish, the son of Titus Livius triumphed by a short head and he may now be stepped up in grade.
Derek OConnor has had the talent scouts talking now for quite some time and he again displayed his talent, this time against the professionals in the opening handicap chase.
Riding Castle Doret for Cork owner/trainer Gerry OKeeffe, the Galway amateur brought the top-weight through smoothly to lead before the straight, ultimately coasting home to a nine length success.
The ability to see out the trip also proved crucial in the novice hurdle. When Your Almost There poached a six length advantage before the straight, he looked to have all of his rivals in trouble.
However, Criaire Princess went into overdrive away from the second last under Johnny Levins to power to a two length victory for Michael Carroll, who will soon hand in his licence to train.
The hat-trick bid of Sixtino was only just foiled in the handicap hurdle, the even money favourite storming home to get within a short head of Martin Kinanes 10/1 shot, Craigmor Hero.
Racing concluded with a potentially nice prospect winning the bumper, former points scorer and half-brother to Lord Noelie, Amorini proving victorious for Philip Rothwell and Michael Darcy.
