Eric McNamara's Mareoflot recorded her third win in four starts when winning the four runner Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Cork today.
Fast ground meant only four horses took part, with Mareoflot racing in second before moving through to lead after the third last fence, staying on gamely for a two length win over Know The Ropes.
McNamara later reported 'it was a muddling sort of race but she is a game mare and won it well enough in the end.'
He added 'Brian (Brynes) gave her a great ride and did exactly what I told him to do; Mareoflot may go for another handicap chase at Tralee in a fortnight's time.'
Jockey Andrew McNamara partnered his fifth winner of the season when steering Flying Johnny M to a hard fought win over Aviatore in the corkracecourse.ie Novice Hurdle.
Flying Johnny M attempted to make all, was headed by the runner-up before the second last flight, but eventually got the better of a tight battle to score by half a length.
Winning trainer Michael Hourigan later reported 'we'll find a similar race for him again and it looks like he wants three miles.'
Trainer Paul Lenihan was a relieved man following his Drumavish Lass' easy win in the opening Mallow Mares Maiden Hurdle, under Ruby Walsh.
The daughter of Oscar tracked the leaders before moving through to lead approaching the second last flight, staying on well for an easy win over Stillorsparkling.
Afterwards, Lenihan reported 'my horses have been sick for a year and a half and I hadn't a runner on the track for six months and only ran two point to pointers this year.'
He added 'the horses' bloods were wrong and they kept scoping wrong too. Hopefully this will bring about a change in luck as my horses seem back to form now. Drumavish Lass will be kept going during the summer.'
Trainer Tony Mullins was full of praise for 7lb claimer Mark Watts who guided his Stadium Project to a hard fought neck win in the Kanturk Maiden Hurdle.
Mullins stated 'Stadium Project had a middling run on soft ground at Killarney the last day but needs good ground.'
He added 'Mark gave him a great ride for a 7lb claimer and looked very strong.'
Happy Lord overcame a few untidy jumps at the final three flights when winning the Mitchelstown Handicap Hurdle under a good ride from Roger Loughran.
The son of Lord Americo led before the fourth last, but needed a strong drive from Loughran to see off the challenge of Silver Pat by a neck.
Winning trainer Pat Fahy later mentioned 'Happy Lord had a few good runs but started jumping violently to his left for some reason. We haven't been able to cure it fully but Roger kidded him along today and it was great to finally win.'
Stephen Ryan's Bordante rewarded connection's patience when claiming his maiden success at the age of ten, when winning the Charleville Handicap Chase under John Allen.
