Dermot Weld added another landmark to his impressive training career by sending out Royal Intrigue to take the first Listed race ever run at the mid-western venue.
The 3yo colt was given a well-judged ride from the front by Pat Smullen in the ten furlongs Glenman Corporation Ltd. Building Contractors Lenebane Stakes.
The easy-to-back 7/1 chance had all his rivals in trouble when driven clear inside the final 1/4, beating the staying on Blessyourpinksox by 3/4L with Kalderon 1 1/4L back in third.
Arch Rebel (3/1-2/1 fav) could never get on terms and eventually finished sixth, while Rekaab trailed home in rear and was later reported to have been struck into.
Weld was not on hand but a delighted Smullen said afterwards, 'He's a horse we always thought was good last year and he seemed to enjoy it out in front. The bit of ease in the ground certainly helped.'
Smullen is now on the 35 winner mark for the season having earlier initiated a 43/1 double on the Michael Grassick-trained Little Nymph in the 7f fillies handicap.
The well-backed 9/2 chance led inside the final furlong to beat Dani's Girl by 2L but there was a Rule 4 deduction of 20c in the euro to all bets as the 4/1 fav Stef's Girl was withdrawn at the start on veterinary advice.
'She's an improving filly but needs some cover and we probably made too much use of her at the Curragh last time,' said the trainers son and assistant Michael junior.
Noend, trained by Smullen's wife Frances Crowley, completed a good evening for the family when taking the maiden hurdle in a tight finish under Andrew McNamara.
'He wanted good ground and this seems to be his time of the year. He's enjoying jumping, and will go for a novice or handicap hurdle at Galway' said Ms Crowley.
Niall Madden was stood down for two days with mild concussion after taking a fall from Ridgewood Ploy in this race.
The Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown later this month could be next for Whatsthescript (Wayne Lordan) after he just got the better of Dimenticata in the 7f 2yo maiden.
'He's still a bit green and should come on again from that run. On a more galloping track you will see a better horse as he had a bit of trouble cornering,' said trainer David Wachman.
Davenport Democrat never gave his supporters a moments worry when taking the 2m4f novice hurdle in runaway fashion.
Davy Condon soon had the 11/8 favourite in a clear lead, and he kept up the gallop to beat Artiste Bay by 21 lengths.
Baikal was given a typically powerful ride by Tony McCoy to prevail by 2 1/2L in the handicap hurdle, while the Noel Meade-trained Rocket Boy (4/1-11/2) made a winning debut in the bumper under Nina Carberry.
Alan Magee
