Philip Rothwell took the training honours at the western venue when completing a near 64/1 double with Gregorian and Tara Hall.
Gregorian benefitted from an enterprising ride by Niall McCullagh in the Jimmy Tierney Memorial Maiden, making all and staying on strongly in the straight to beat Bellflower by seven lengths. 'He's a horse that needs to get everything his own way. Niall told me to put the blinkers on today, and gave him a great ride,' said Rothwell.
The Tinahely trainer was fancied to take the Oliver Kelliher Bar Supplies Handicap Hurdle with 100/30 chance Little Ora, but instead scored with Tara Hall (14/1) who was patiently ridden by David O'Leary to beat Master Glow by a-length-and-a-half. 'I'm not surprised as he needed the run at Clonmel last time and, unlike Little Ora (who finished third), loves that soft ground,' said Rothwell, recording his 11th winner here in his short training career.
Tupgill Tipple continues to defy the handicapper, and will bid for a rapid four-timer at Wexford on Friday after another facile success in the hands of Timmy Houlihan. The Pat Carey-trained filly struck the front two furlongs out to beat Bahao by a very easy four-and-a-half-lengths. 'I knew she had ability last year and, after a nice break over the winter, she is simply a different filly this season,' said Carey.
Back In Twenty landed a touch (10/1 to 7/1) in the Western People Handicap, making all under Gordon 'Flash' Power to beat the staying on Honeyschoice by a length. 'She has been in training since February but, due to the balloting system, this was the first time she has got a run. Hopefully she will run again at Down Royal next week,' said trainer Dick Donohoe.
Angela's Way was also popular with punters in the Cunningham Londis Handicap Chase, leading two out under Paul Moloney to beat Castle Tiger Bay by 13 lengths.
The market indicated that the Cummins Home Value Hardware Novice Hurdle would be a match between Hayley Cometh and Paddy The Duke, and so it proved as the latter was sent on before three out by Ross Geraghty to score by nine lengths from his fellow 5/4 joint favourite. 'I will put him away now, and his next race will be a chase in the autumn,' said trainer Peter McCreery.
Alan Magee
