Racing went ahead at the western venue after an early morning inspection, and Frances Crowley opened her account for the Flat season when saddling Caishill to take the West Fencing Handicap.
Later On was sent into a clear lead from the flag start by Philip Carberry, and still held a definite advantage approaching the straight. However she succumbed to the dual challenge of Peace Leader and Caishill, with Seamus Heffernan's mount just prevailing by a short-head.
'He used to run a bit free, and we probably overdid the waiting tactics at Gowran Park last month. He's a nice big horse, and I'm sure he'll jump a hurdle in time,' said Ms Crowley.
Jemmy John, narrowly beaten here last month, gained ample compensation when making all under Wayne Smith in the two-year-old Conway Motors Maiden. The Ger Lyons-trained colt was sent off the 7/4 joint favourite, and stayed on well in the short straight to beat outsider Abecedarian by a-length-and-a-half, with the other joint market leader Definate Spectacle just a short-head further back.
Fran Berry was fortunate to escape uninjured after his mount Seanin Glory ran out before the home bend. The Desert King newcomer narrowly missed the second last fence, and crashed through the plastic railing into the car park.
Fairwood Heart overcame a six month lay-off to land a gamble (10/1 to 5/1) in the novice hurdle. The victory was all the more creditable as he continually lost ground by jumping out to the left for David O'Leary, finishing up against the stands rail when beating Imperial Light by two lengths.
'He has never done that before, although it's the first time he's gone right-handed,' said trainer Philip Rothwell, who added, 'He will go straight out to grass now, and come back in the autumn for a novice hurdle campaign.'
Pat Hughes' dual purpose gelding High Prospect recorded his third win in the last four weeks when justifying strong support (5/4 to 4/5) in the two mile handicap. Fran Berry had the four-year-old up with the pace throughout for a three-and-a-half-length verdict over Mind Over Matter.
'I will give him a little break, and then look for something at the Galway Festival. He doesn't mind soft, but is better on good ground,' said Hughes.
Ross Geraghty elected to force the pace on Temony in the EBF Beginners Chase, and the tactics worked out a treat as Tony Mullins' charge kept on well to beat Barrow Drive by three-and-a-half-lengths.
Alan Magee
