The Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas is still on the cards for The Galway Man following his win in the featured E20,000 John Harney Bookmaker Chase at Clonmel today.
Despite failing to finish on any of his last three starts, 130 rated The Galway Man was sent off the 11/8 favourite but needed a strong drive from Paul Carberry to win by three parts of a length from Be My Better Half.
However, winning trainer Tony Mullins was not overly impressed by his gelding's performance, stating 'I thought he'd win easier and he was a little disappointing.'
He added 'Paul said he didn't like the ground and maybe that was the reason for him jumping the last three badly. In my opinion he needs to show some improvement to win from 10st 13lbs in the Paddy Power.'
Cashmans Bookmakers introduced The Galway Man at 20/1 for the Leopardstown race.
Former riding legend turned trainer Charlie Swan combined with another great in the making, Ruby Walsh, to win the opening maiden hurdle with Ingres. The son of Sadler's Wells made all for a length success, despite idling close home.
Swan later indicated that Ingres will be aimed at a winners' race at Limerick over Christmas.
Dessie Hughes, who saddles Hardy Eustace on his seasonal reappearance in the Grade 2 Tara Hurdle at Navan on Sunday, was on the mark with Oulart, who won the Ernst & Young Maiden Hurdle.
Hughes later commented 'Oulart stays well and will appreciate three miles. That's my first win for owner Ged Pierce and we'll aim Oulart at a handicap now.'
Regarding Hardy Eustace, Hughes mentioned 'he's in great form but chasing round Solerina may test his fitness, on his first run back.'
The Clonmel Beginners' Chase went to father-son combination of Tommy and Philip Carberry with Mr Murchan. The winner chased the leaders before going to the front at the second last, eventually maintaining the gallop for a six length success over Berkerys Boy.
The older Carberry later stated 'he had schooled well at home and ran well on his last start at Punchestown. He has had a leg problem and we'll wait to see what the handicapper does with him now.'
Allez Petit Luis won the BDBC Building Contractors Handicap Hurdle for jockey Alan O'Donohue and trainer Colm Murphy, who was absent, receiving an award for Brave Inca's Cheltenham success in England.
John Codd's Ira Hayes landed the three mile handicap chase under Conor O'Dwyer. Codd later praised O'Dwyer's riding ability before stating 'the horse either runs a good or bad race. I'd love to get him high enough in the handicap to run him over the Aintree fences at some stage.'
Dual point to point winning mare Inch Pride transferred that good form to the track when easily winning the bumper under Derek O'Connor.
Thomas Weekes
