Aitmatov Lands Down Royal Spoils

Noel Meade's Aitmatov ran out a nice winner of the Grade Three Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle at Down Royal.

A race which has produced winners of the quality of Macs Joy, Feathard Lady and Iktitaf in recent years appears to have another high-quality name to add to the roll of honour.

Never far from the pace set by Salford City and Luck's A Lady, Paul Carberry made his move at the second last.

And despite Meade harbouring reservations about the two-mile trip being too sharp, the six-year-old showed a fine turn of foot.

Galway Hurdle winner Farmer Brown ran well to claim second, a length and three-quarters adrift of Aitmatov.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle scorer Ebaziyan came with a menacing move at the last under Ruby Walsh but blew up inside the final 100 yards and was pipped for third by Salford City.

The winner was sent off the 9-4 joint-favourite along with Dermot Weld's Bobs Pride, who was disappointing.

'That was a very good performance,' said Meade.

'I'm very pleased with the way he did it as he was up against second-season novices and I thought two miles might be a bit sharp.

'We have no definite plan but we might look at the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse on December 2, we might even go to England with him.'

Aitmatov was introduced at 25-1 into the Champion Hurdle betting by VC Bet, with William Hills offering 33s.

Colm Murphy may not have Brave Inca to look forward to this season but should have some fun with Megans Joy after she rattled up a five-timer in the EBF Scarvagh House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle.

The five-year-old has made rapid progress already this term but may not yet have peaked on the evidence of this effortless victory.

Given a confident ride by Davy Russell, the 9-4 chance took up the running between the final two flights to win by six lengths.

My Valley, the 2-1 favourite, chased her home, with Ring Hill third.

Nicky Henderson's Debut was unplaced on her hurdling bow in the Grade Three event.

'I'm delighted with her,' said Murphy.

'She hasn't stopped improving this season and by the looks of that, she hasn't stopped yet.

'That was her toughest test to date but she has done it very well.

'She will have a break now, maybe until Leopardstown at Christmas, as she certainly deserves one.'

(C) PA Sport