O'Hanlon & McLoughlin strike with Malbay A dual winner on the level, Malbay Madness made the breakthrough over flights in the Clarke's Electrical Contractors Castletown Geoghegan Handicap Hurdle. Down to a mark of 98, from an initial rating of 108, the Dermot McLoughlin-trained five-year-old was sent off a 6/1 chance (from 10s early) under Paddy O'Hanlon. Settled in mid-division, the Wings Of Eagles bay made a slight mistake four out, taking much closer order before the next. Pushed along to lead approaching the last, the Judy Duffy-owned victor kept on well under pressure in the closing stages, coming home a length and a half to the good. The Edward O'Grady-trained Order Of The Dance kept on well to finish a never nearer second under Darragh O'Keeffe, while High Honour (11/2 from 14s early) was five-and-a-half lengths back in third. Returned the 4/1 favourite, Lynchy Boy was another five-and-a-half lengths away in fourth. "I thought my biggest job would be settling him as he can be quite keen at home, but we went a nice enough gallop," the winning rider said. "His jumping was very good, and he kept at it well. "He's only a five-year-old so hopefully he can progress over the summer. He's versatile enough ground wise but for a handy horse like him, nice ground is probably his forte." STEWARDS REPORT At the request of the Raceday Stewards, Niall Moore, rider of Lynchy Boy, trained by Philip Fenton, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was keen early on, jumped left on a tight right handed track and weakened late on. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
