Persistent rain throughout the afternoon made conditions testing at the south-eastern venue, but Adrian Lane had good reason to remember the day when completing his first double aboard the Michael Halford-trained pair Treasured Guest and Berkeley Bay.
Treasured Guest landed the opening two and a half mile novice hurdle, touching down in front after two out to beat Le-Monde by one and a half lengths. Lane (21) recorded his 11th winner of the season just half-an-hour later when making all on Berkeley Bay in the two mile novice hurdle. Windfall appeared a big threat when narrowing a sizeable lead down to two lengths at the second last, but he crashed out leaving Berkeley Bay clear to beat Clounties Hill by 13 lengths.
Barry Geraghty was another rider to partner a double, with Emotional Moment and Native Scout scoring at the combined odds of 26/1. Emotional Moment overcame a seven month lay-off to take the two mile handicap hurdle under Barry Geraghty. Tom Taaffe's charge traveled well throughout, but the result was still in doubt until close rival Over The First unseated trainer/rider Charlie Swan at the final flight. 'He will stay handicapping, and could go for either the valuable two miler at Down Royal in a fortnight or to Naas the same day,' said Taaffe.
Native Scout, sixth to Like A Butterfly in the Supreme Novice Hurdle last March, got his chasing career off to a fine start in the two mile beginners chase. Donie Hassett's charge was prominent throughout to beat Rathgar Beau by a length and a half, with favourite Adamant Approach only keeping on onepaced from two out to finish a further three lengths adrift in fourth. 'I'm happy to get that out of the way, and he's one to look forward to this winter,' said Hassett.
Nellies Choice (14/1 but paid 51/1 on the Tote) was brought wide by David Bean in search of better ground in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle, and the tactics paid off as she just got the better of Mattie Mac on the run-in to prevail by a neck. 'A bumper run last month helped to sharpen her up and, providing the ground doesn't get too bad, she'll go for another handicap,' said Alan Fleming, representing successful Rathcoole permit-holder Oliver McKiernan.
Lord Grainey was patiently ridden by Paul Carberry in the handicap chase, producing the gelding to lead at the last in the driving rain to beat Arkdel by three and a half lengths.
Alan Magee
