Zamnah completed a hat-trick in fine style when making all under Paul Carberry in the featured Bank Of Ireland Handicap Hurdle.
The five-year-old mare has proved a good advertisement for trainer John Bowles in recent weeks, and she hugged the rails like a greyhound to beat Siochain by an eased down three lengths. 'Paul gave her a great ride, and kept a bit up his sleeve. She is a real summer horse, and will run next on the Flat in a mile and three quarters apprentice handicap at Bellewstown,' said Bowles, who has 12 in training near Killucan.
Adonia, trained by Francis Flood and ridden by his son and namesake, took the opening maiden hurdle in convincing fashion, stretching clear after three out and pushed out to beat Dolphins Peak by three and a half lengths. 'She jumped great, got a nice lead, and quickened up well. We'll probably go next for a handicap,' said Flood senior.
Flood went on to complete a double with What A Hussy in the bumper, who staying on well under pressure for Denis O'Regan to beat Hawaiian Son by a length and a half.
Royal County Buck pleased the large crowd when justifying favouritism in the handicap chase, drawing clear after three out under Ruby Walsh to beat long-time leader Rigolade by 12 lengths.
The Kerry National is the long term aim for Just In Debt, who headed Devondale approaching the last in the three miles novice hurdle to score by a length and a half under Robert Power. 'He wants that trip and good ground, and we decided to go for this as he's highly rated over fences. He will be entered for the Galway Plate but I would prefer to go for the Kerry National,' said trainer Pat Doyle.
Woman Power surprised most racegoers but not trainer Tony Black when defying odds of 25/1 (46/1 on the Tote) under David O'Leary by getting up in the closing strides of the three miles handicap hurdle. 'She has been working well and crying out for good ground, although I was worried that this track might be a bit too sharp for her,' said Black, who has ten in training near Bunclody.
There was another shock in the beginners chase where Lord Fane, 14/1 but paid nearly 35/1 on the Tote, headed front-runner Deramore before the last in the hands of Davy Russell to score by four and a half lengths.
Not surprisingly there were no jackpot units running onto the final leg, and the pool of e10,889 is carried forward to the next meeting here on July 18.
Alan Magee
