Despite again showing her well-documented attitude, Statim still managed to achieve a feat that would have looked highly improbable at one time by completing a hat trick of wins in the novice hurdle at Galway yesterday.
The addition of cheek-pieces and Denis Cullen in the saddle have certainly helped and despite looking briefly like pulling up when in front before the last, the four-year-old came out best in a three way battle on the run-in.
Niall Quinn, member of the successful Sanguine Syndicate was on hand to greet the Michael O'Brien-trained winner. Blanc C'est Blanc went off 5/4 favourite on the back of a smoothly achieved Fairyhouse win but could fare no better than fifth this time.
Barry Geraghty, fresh from a treble on the previous day's card, continued the purple patch with a double, starting off in the opening beginners chase.
Disappointingly only three faced the starter here and favourite Lord Rozz, didn't impress with his jumping and eventually came to grief two out when under pressure in second. His departure left Kilcash Castle, who made a winning debut in a bumper here back in 1999 to coast to an easy fifteen length victory for trainer, Joe Crowley.
Geraghty doubled up when Bridge Hotel gained reward for a series of consistent efforts lately with a success in the two mile five handicap hurdle. The 7/2 shot, a costly failure when only third at Listowel, stayed on well from the last to defeat favourite Gemini Guest by three parts of a length.
Yogi built up a huge lead in the amateur riders event before being reeled in after halfway. However Adrienne Foley's mount had plenty more left to offer and went on again out of the dip for a comprehensive eleven length success.
Father of the winning rider and successful handler, Tom Foley praised his daughter for the ride whilst he also mentioned that he was reluctant to run the horse on the ground and only did so after much thought.
With a pair of 3/1 joint favourites, a 7/2 shot and a 4/1 chance, the maiden hurdle had an open look about it following the defection of Adarma. The trio heading the market filled the first three placings, Mariah Rollins under David Casey staying on well from the last for a one and a half length win over the drifter, Irish Stream (2/1 to 7/2). Winning rider, Casey described the Pat Fahy's charge as 'nice mare who done it well'.
The featured handicap chase had a line-up of only five. Local trainer Paul Gilligan wasn't complaining though, as his Broadstone Road scored for the third time on the bounce, showing great reserves of stamina for a five length win under Danny Howard.
Blazing Liss' win in the closing bumper was a poignant victory. Successful trainer, John Kiely devoted the win to the recently deceased Donal Flynn, a member of the family that own the mare. The daughter of Supreme Leader wasn't extended to record a one and a half length win over Rory Sunset.
