'A day for old trainers' as Luimneach completes McManus treble

Luimneach completed a quick treble for JP McManus at Naas, winning the race sponsored by himself, the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Earlier christened the 'patron saint of Irish jumps racing' by Arthur Moore, McManus was recording his fifth winner of the day, as he also claimed two races in the UK.

An apt winner at Limerick in November, the Des McDonogh trained victor since finished seventh behind Sam's Choice at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Sent off an 8/1 chance today, the Fame And Glory gelding was settled in mid-division by Aidan Kelly, improving into second from three out.

Briefly in front after the next, he was soon overtaken by By Your Side That one blundered badly at the last and Luimneach duly picked up the pieces, regaining the lead on the run-in, going on to prevail by three-and-a-half lengths.

The Tony Martin trained Falvio (50s in early shows, returned 12/1) flew home to take second under Danny Gilligan, who was having his first ride under National Hunt rules.

Returned the 7/2 favourite, By Your Side had to settle for third, another length-and-three-parts back under Carl Millar, while handicap debutant Jump The Shark (28/1) was fourth.

"This is a day for old trainers! Arthur Moore and myself, give us the stuff and we might be able to do the job!" said McDonogh.

"He's a grand horse, we could say we were lucky at the last with the other fella (blundering).

"He pulled hard in Leopardstown last time and he ran a cracking race considering. He didn't stop pulling until going to the second last.

"Over two miles today they went quicker and he didn't pull as much. He's a beautiful looking horse, a fine big horse.

"That will give my wife Helen a big gee up at home watching the TV. When he came first she said 'oh I love that horse'."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Listenheretomejack trained by Eoin Doyle, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on his left foreleg.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Only One Plan trained by P.J. Rothwell, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

P.J. Rothwell, trainer of Only One Plan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge made a bad mistake at the first hurdle and never recovered from it.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson