Michael Hourigan was the trainer in form when landing both divisions of the Munster Handicap Hurdle in glorious sunshine at Clonmel yesterday.
Paul Carberry, now six clear in the National Hunt jockeys table on the 32 winner mark, was aboard Loughcrew who came from off the pace in division one to beat Rapsan by two and a half lengths.
Dodger Nash benefitted from the addition of blinkers when making most to take division two under Paul Moloney. 'My son Paul advised putting on the blinkers as he said he was idling in front at Tralee last week', said Hourigan, who has saddled five winners since last Saturday.
Charlie Swan and Limerick trainer Austin Leahy both ended a frustrating run of placed efforts when teaming up to take the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle (Division 1) with Spirito Di Punto.
Swan was seen at his best when producing the four-year-old between horses at the last to beat Putsometnby by three quarters of a length. 'She loves fast ground, and Charlie gave her a marvelous ride', said Leahy before adding, 'She will go for a seven furlongs handicap at Galway next Tuesday'.
Favourite backers got off to a good start in the opening Slievenamon Maiden Hurdle (Division 1) where the Willie Slattery-ridden Quiet Millfit headed Northern Mill in the air at the final flight to score by a neck. 'He likes that ground, and I will switch him to the Flat as he seems better handicapped than over hurdles', said trainer Thomond O'Mara.
John Cullen was seen to good effect in division two aboard Arran Mews. John Berry's charge, 20/1 but paid 183/1 on the Tote, finished well to touch off African Waters virtually on the line. 'That's a surprise. She was very weak when running in heavy ground over the winter', said Berry afterwards.
Tony Mullins is looking forward to sending Temony over fences next summer after the six-year-old gelding held on by a length from Near Dunleer in division two of the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle. 'He has learned how to settle, and we will keep him on the go as long as the ground is good', said Mullins.
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