Masteroffoxhounds got his jumping career off to a successful start when readily justifying prohibitive odds in the two miles maiden hurdle at Down Royal, where bitterly cold winds made conditions tough for both racegoers and horses.
The David Wachman-trained dual bumper winner was confidently ridden by Mark Grant, leading before the final flight to beat Lonesome Man by a facile length and a half.
Wachman didn't make the long trip north, but later reported by telephone from his Carrick-On-Suir yard that 'a novice hurdle at either Leopardstown or Punchestown' is next on the agenda. When quizzed about aiming the eight-year-old gelding at the Cheltenham Festival, he said, 'It's a big ask but I wouldn't rule it out.' Cashmans and Sean Graham both introduced him at 20/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
The Aintree Bumper was nominated as a target by trainer Philip Rothwell after Loughanelteen scored under Peter Fahey. The five-year-old was prominent throughout, and appeared to have a bit in hand when holding off Native House by a neck. 'He was very unlucky on his debut at Thurles when drifting right across the track, and would like much better ground. He won't be going near the hill at Cheltenham, and I will give him a break now before aiming at Aintree,' said Rothwell.
Amateur rider Brian Hamilton saddled his first winner under rules when Ammieanne made all under Paul Carberry in the mares novice chase. The 11 runners were well strung out from half-way, and the eight-year-old kept up a relentless gallop into the strong wind to beat the odds-on Princess Symphony by 25 lengths.
Carberry earlier initiated a 29/1 double when Tarqogan Thyne proved an equally easy winner of the mares maiden hurdle. Noel Meade's charge cruised to the front between the final two flights, and was eased right down on the run-in to beat Same Old Story by an effortless eight lengths.
Local permit holder Ian Buchanan saddled his third winner when Drumbo found a bit extra from the last under Jimmy Ryan to beat Quarry Boy by two and a half lengths in the handicap hurdle.
Alan Magee
