Ruby Walsh and Paul Carberry took the riding honours at Tipperary yesterday afternoon when both completed doubles.
Carberry heads the National Hunt jockeys table on the 38 winner mark after partnering a 29/1 double aboard Lord Grey and Vandante. Lord Grey justified 11/4 favouritism in the featured Sean Barrett Bloodstock Handicap Chase, jumping past the trail-blazing Celio at the second last and keeping on well to score by two lengths.
'Everything was in his favour today - the track, ground and Paul gets on so well with him,' said successful trainer Dermot Kelly before adding, 'He sometimes needs a bit of time between races but, if he comes out of this okay, we will look at a two mile handicap either over hurdles or fences at Tralee.'
Carberry was earlier seen to good effect aboard Vandante in the Munster Novice Chase, with the six-year-old former pointer jumping well and just holding off the late surge of Super Fellow.
The Meathman is 13 clear of Ruby Walsh in the title race as the latter also doubled up on Kilcarrig House and Saddler's Boy. Kilcarrig House led approaching the last to beat Golden Beacon by two lengths in the 74-102 rated handicap hurdle, while Saddler's Boy benefitted from a patient ride by Walsh to land division two of the beginners chase.
Jupiter Hollow, trained by Tommy and ridden by Paul's younger brother Philip, gave the Carberry family further cause for celebration when taking the 60-88 rated handicap. The last flight proved crucial here as Adiysha blundered before staying on strongly to get within a head at the line. Carberry junior was suspended for one day (August 31) for excessive use of the whip.
Christy Roche added to his impressive tally in recent weeks when Wouldn't You Agree readily landed the odds in the novice hurdle. Paul Moloney's mount made all, and cruised home in the straight to beat Torduff Boy by three and a half lengths.
'Hopefully he will jump a fence some day as he has a real chasing pedigree with two Grand National winners in the family. He will have a little break now, and then be aimed at the good class novice races such as the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse,' said the Curragh trainer.
Alan Magee
