Charlie Swan saddled his second winner of the week at Listowel on Saturday afternoon as Anxious Moments made a victorious debut over fences in the Carlsberg Novice Chase. Partnered by David Casey, Anxious Moments was left clear by the final fence departure of Colca Canyon with him ultimately accounting for Emperors Guest by twenty lengths.
David Casey in turn went onto complete a double and bring his tally for the week to five by guiding Rapid Deployment to victory in the Edmond Whelan Memorial Handicap Hurdle. Winner of the GPT Handidcap at the Galway festival, the Pat Hughes-trained Rapid Deployment will now be prepared for a tilt at the Cesarewitch.
It was a definite red letter afternoon for Denis O'Regan as the 21-year-old partnered his first winner since turning professional by steering Rupunini to victory for Frank Ennis in the McElligotts Tralee Rover/Land Rover Maiden Hurdle.
Meanwhile, John Allen continued on his upward curve by collecting the Charlie Chute Memorial European Breeders Fund Mares Handicap Hurdle with the Joe Crowley-trained Rosses Point.
Larry Hurley piloted his initial winner since returning from the fractured leg that he sustained last year by bringing home the Val O'Brien-trained Saltmills Rambler a game victor of the John F. McGuire (Opportunity) Handicap Hurdle.
Michael Grassick is enjoying a fine season and he saddled a 44/1 double. His brace was initiated when the American-bred Mr Smooth captured the Lynch's Bakery Apprentice Claiming Race.
Partnered by Dave Condon, whose 21st success of the season this was, Mr Smooth ultimately dispensed with Youkounkoun by three lengths and he could now be prepared for a tilt at a three-year-old hurdle.
Grassick's two-timer was completed when Alicudi came home by a snug two lengths with Jerry O'Dwyer in the Stokers Lodge Apprentice Handicap. A 10th winner of the season for O'Dwyer, Alicudi could also go down the juvenile hurdle route. Indeed, Grassick was also on the mark with Artic Ice at Fairyhouse.
