Jockey Slippers Madden added more icing to the icing on his cake at Tramore today, where he partnered Copper Moon to win the Waterford & Tramore Directors Maiden Hurdle.
After an initial false start, Madden set about making all on Copper Moon, but he was made work hard on the son of Needle Gun who came under pressure after the third last flight.
However, Copper Moon did respond to Madden's urgings, eventually seeing off the challenge of 33/1 newcomer Manoir by three parts of a length.
Champion Hurdle runner-up Macs Joy's colours were carried to victory with Valley Of Giants, who ran out the winner of the Graun Hill Maiden Hurdle.
Ridden by Andrew Leigh, Valley Of Giants moved through to head Jubilant Note after the final flight, for a length and a half win.
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington was absent but was represented by assistant Eamonn Leigh, father of the winning jockey.
Leigh Snr mentioned 'Valley Of Giants will probably go for a winners' race next before having a break.'
The opening Tramore Supporters Club Maiden went to Michael Grassick's long absent Trikirk.
Ridden by Tadgh O'Shea, Trikirk tracked the leaders, was pushed along on the descent into the dip but eventually hit top gear close home, to beat Dark Artist by half a length
Winning trainer Michael Grassick was recording his first winner of the new season and commented 'Trikirk rapped a joint out in the field last year and needed time off as a result.'
He added 'he'll go for a handicap next and is a nice big horse who will go jumping in time.'
Jockey Fran Berry partnered Axinit to an all-the-way win in the Pickardstown Handicap on Axinit for trainer Tom Hogan.
Hogan later praised the winning rider and reported 'we are lucky enough to have a genius like Fran on board and he dictated the race from the front.'
He added 'he is a tricky horse but shows plenty at home and may now go back hurdling now.'
There was a straightforward winner to the Eventful Venue Handicap, where Pagan Magic made all for a five length win for trainer Tom McCourt.
As a result of the win, winning rider Chris Hayes had his claim reduced to 3lbs and McCourt mentioned 'Chris is a good rider and gave that a very positive ride. Hurdling helped sweeten Pagan Magic up a bit.'
Restricted license holder Willie Murphy recorded his first winner when Royal Ranger won the www.tramore-racecourse.com Hunters Chase under Derek O'Connor.
Royal Ranger, who had beaten Cheltenham Four Mile Chase runner-up Beantown in a point to point, was produced with a well timed run to head Phelan's Fancy before the last, for a 5l win.
Murphy later reported 'I have my license three years but that's my first win on the track; I've had seven point to point winners this season. Provided the ground stays fast, Royal Ranger will go to either Fairyhouse or Punchestown.'
