Ruby Walsh recorded a treble in the opening three races at the well-attended western venue, but the afternoon was marred by a number of injuries to riders, notably Jimmy Mansell in a three horse pile-up in division two of the two mile handicap hurdle.
The incident occurred at the fourth hurdle where Mansell's mount Showboat Melody was up with the pace when falling heavily, bringing down Peruge and Springfield Guest. Mansell was still unconscious when taken to Castlebar Hospital, and racecourse doctor Kieran O'Reilly said, 'Jimmy has a serious head injury, and may be moved to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin depending on the results of scans taken in Castlebar.' Peruge's rider Niall Madden suffered a broken wrist.
The following beginners chase was delayed 15 minutes in order for a second ambulance to arrive at the track, and the medical team were soon in action again as Kieran Gaule fractured his right wrist when Nofee fell at the first. Victory here went to Mykon Gold, ridden by Paul Hourigan for his father Michael, who held off Sergeant Bill by three quarters of a length.
King's Opera initiated the Walsh treble when readily justifying favouritism in the two mile maiden hurdle. Michael Grassick's charge jumped to the front two out, and quickly settled the issue to beat Yukon by six lengths. 'That's her ground, and she picked up nicely as soon as Ruby asked her. She'll probably go now for a winners of one,' said Grassick's assistant Pat Malone.
He followed up on Halfaquid in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle, although Pharviva lost a winning chance by flattening the final flight before rallying back to get within a head at the line. 'The longer trip suited, and another half mile would probably do her no harm,' said trainer Leslie Young.
Walsh moved onto the 20 winner mark for the season half-an-hour later in division one of the two mile handicap hurdle, where Run Of The Country surprised connections by leading close home to beat Feelin' Loser by a length. 'He's been cutting out quickly for some reason in previous races, but looked in much better condition today,' explained trainer Pat Fahy afterwards.
Leading claimer Keith Hadnett recorded his 13th winner of the campaign when Green Magical asserted before the last in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle to beat Stero Heights by two lengths.
Alan Magee
