Ruby Walsh, Barry Geraghty and Paul Carberry dominated yesterdays card at Clonmel as between them they partnered all seven winners. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh made the headlines as they shared in a short-price treble, Jasmin DOudairies completing the hat-trick in the most valuable event, the Wilderness Chase.
Quickening up noticeably to lead well in advance of the final obstacle, the 7/4 market-leader dispensed with front-runner, Be My Better Half in good style, three and a half lengths separating the pair at the line.
Mullins said of the French-bred, 'hes been an unlucky horse and I cant believe he hasnt won in a year and a half but hopefully now that hes done it hell win another before Christmas.'
Major Vernon and Our Ben were part of a Mullins-trained quintet of runners in last seasons Cheltenham bumper and they both made their respective jumping debuts in either divide of the five-year-old maiden hurdle.
Each won in good style, and though Old Ben put thirteen lengths between himself and the opposition, it was three and a half length victor Major Vernon that impressed bookmakers more (16s with Cashmans for the SunAlliance). Old Ben got a quote of 25/1 for the same race from the same firm.
Kahuna was a strong favourite in what the market suggested was a match for the beginners chase. The duel between himself and Scarthy Lad materialised out on the track but with a dramatic conclusion.
Shay Barry and Kahuna had a ten length advantage and the race in the bag but he over-jumped the last and simply couldnt get his landing gear out.
Barry Geraghty (completing a double) on Scarthy Lad was the grateful recipient, running out a twelve length winner. Thomas OLeary hopes his charge will be good enough for the Drinmore Chase. Cashmans go 33/1 about the chestnut for the Arkle Chase.
Leading away from the third last, Kentucky Charm (6/4 - 1/1 favourite) galloped away from the opposition in the opener and was able to afford the luxury of a mistake at the final hurdle, beating Grangehill Dancer by twenty lengths.
Edward OGrady said of the Barry Geraghty-ridden winner (quoted at 33/1 for the Triumph with Cashmans) , 'a winners hurdle at Fairyhouse will be the next stop for him.'
Paul Carberry meanwhile rode the winners of the two handicap hurdles that rounded off proceedings, on Missed Trip for James Motherway and Noeleens Moon for Philip Rothwell.
