Memories` sweet win Scottish Memories put himself in contention for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle by sluicing through atrocious conditions to win the Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle at Down Royal yesterday.The six-year-old had his task eased considerably by the withdrawal of likely favourite Davenport Milenium who was pulled out by trainer Willie Mullins due to the state of the ground. Despite the incessant rain and heavy going, Scottish Memories accelerated with some style two hurdles from home and took the lead as Turtleback began a challenge which faded when he hit the last hurdle. Turtleback held on for second with Risky Reef back in third as Paul Carberry eased the winner to land a double at the meeting. Winning trainer Noel Meade, who was also completing a double haul, said: 'Scottish Memories is now a major contender for Cheltenham and he runs in the Hatton`s Grace Hurdle at the big Fairyhouse meeting at the end of the month. 'He jumps well, he`s quick and he stays. What more could you ask for?'
