Eric McNamara and Eugene O'Sullivan both saddled doubles as the the Irish team took an early advantage in the annual National Hunt Jockeys Challenge against Australia.
Makemtakeit (Mick Darcy) beat Old Peak Road (Gary Hutchinson) by a length in the 2m5f handicap hurdle to give the home team a significant 30 points to 16 lead.
'They went a crazy gallop and Mick used his head and gave her a good ride. We may try to win another over hurdles and then bring her back over fences here at Christmas,' said McNamara.
There was a further international element to the afternoon with the Irish ladies dominating their British counterparts in the Ladies Challenge Handicap Hurdle.
McNamara saddled the first and third as the Katie Walsh-ridden Pine Valley led home a 1-2-3 for the Irish team with Adrienne Foley and Sharon Dunphy partnering the placed horses.
'Katie gave her a great ride and she'll go for a similar handicap in a few weeks time,' said the local based trainer.
Eugene O'Sullivan also saddled a double on the card with On You Go and Thedancingdemon, who was awarded the amateur riders beginners chase after a stewards inquiry.
Four Chimneys edged right onto the Ciaran Fennessy-ridden Thedancingdemon on the run-in and, with just a short-head separating the pair at the line, the stewards reversed the placings.
On You Go made light of a four months break to justify 3/1 favouritism in the three miles handicap chase.
Alan Crowe's mount appeared to be getting the better of Royal Man when throwing a mighty leap at the final fence to beat that rival by two and a half lengths.
'He's a lovely, progressive horse and a very good jumper. I hope we can find a nice big race for him,' said O'Sullivan of the J P McManus-owned gelding.
Schindler's Gold looks a horse with a future after the Adrian Joyce-ridden gelding opened his account in the opportunity maiden hurdle.
The uneasy 11/8 favourite was sent on before halfway and, despite some deliberate jumping, came home a comfortable two and a half lengths clear of Penny's Bill.
Trainer Tom Taaffe was attending the sales at Tattersalls but was represented by his wife Elaine who said, 'Tom thinks a lot of this horse and we'll take him home and see how he comes out of this before making plans.'
Dual bumper winner Singh On Song successfully switched to hurdling when getting up close home to deny Aussie rider Adam Trinder on Alabama Banjo by a head in the 2m maiden.
The six-year-old's jumping was far from fluent but he stayed on well under pressure for Barry Geraghty to score by a head.
'I wasn't confident as he had not schooled in public although he'd done plenty of schooling at home. He's entitled to come on a lot from that,' said trainer Philip Fenton.
The Charles Byrnes-trained De La Rue landed some nice bets (8/1-5/1 fav) in the 2m4f handicap hurdle, settling the issue with a fine jump at the last for Shay Barry to beat Silver Jaro by 1 1/2L.
'David Casey said he found the two miles too sharp the last day behind Viso at Punchestown but the form of that race has worked out,' said Byrnes.
Meanwhile at Navan, French Accordion continued his march up the chasing ranks by completing a four-timer in the featured Fortria Chase.
The 7yo travelled well for John Cullen, heading the front-running Kahuna before the last before stretching away to beat that rival by an impressive 14 lengths.
'He bruised a foot about ten days ago and we only decided to come here when we realised the race cut up badly. He may go for the Drinmore if the ground remains good,' said Paul Nolan.
Sweet Kiln took the other Grade 2 race on the card in equally emphatic fashion, making all under Tom Doyle and galloping on relentlessly in the straight to beat Rosaker by 9L in the Lismullen Hurdle.
Connections were worried about the fast ground beforehand and are now considering a tilt at the Hattons Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Just three went to post in the For Auction Novice Hurdle, and Quinmaster stalked his two rivals before quickening to the front over the last for Ruby Walsh to beat Meadow Vale by 2 1/2L.
'Ruby gave him a very patient ride and used his speed to good effect. He needs decent ground and will be aimed at the Festival meetings in the spring,' said trainer Mick Halford.
Alan Magee
