The Crafty Butcher jumps into the lead at the last in Listowel© Photo Healy Racing
Michael Hourigan and Barry Geraghty enjoyed a double at Listowel, culminating in The Crafty Butcher s success in the M.J. Carroll ARRO Handicap Hurdle.
There were plenty in with a shout over the final flight, but Geraghty found a really willing partner close home as he streaked away from Coolmill to win by two lengths.
The double started when Run With The Wind produced an accomplished display to land the Allman Contracts Limited Beginners Chase.
Having seen off Raise Hell two out, the 3-1 chance flew over the last and kept on well on the run-in, holding off Benash by three and three-quarter lengths.
The line came in time for Dick Dundee in the Chute Memorial Handicap Chase.
Paul Nolan's 12-1 chance was well clear at the second last under Mikey Fogarty, but Beneficial Spirit kept clawing his way back and was just a neck down at the line.< Minella Foru got the better of a battle with Shamsikhan to land the John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
Both were travelling noticeably better in behind the leaders on the turn for home, and Ruby Walsh was first to strike for home on Shamsikhan.
Mark Walsh drew the Eddie Harty-trained 8-1 chance upsides approaching the last, though, and it was his mount that proved stronger in the finish, winning by half a length.< Quick Jack may have missed out on the Flat here on Friday, but he made no mistake in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
Tony Martin's 5-4 favourite held on gamely under Shane Shortall to fend off Luimneach Abu by half a length.
Martin also gave his Cheltenham Festival winner Benefficient a pipe-opener in the Listowel Races Supporters Club Slan Abhaile (Q.R.) Race, but he could only manage fourth behind Caim Hill (5-1).
Donal Hassett's Shantalla (9-1) held on grimly under Robbie Power to beat Theholeofthemoon in the Clievaragh Handicap Chase.
