Ruby Walsh showed just why he is the reigning champion National Hunt rider when giving Triptodicks a powerful drive to take the Tote - The Easy Way To Bet Handicap Chase at Cork on Saturday.
Port Na Son appeared to have stolen a march on his rivals when quickening clear approaching the straight, but Triptodicks responded to Walsh's urgings and the David Kiely-trained mare got up in the final strides to pip Port Na Son.
Longueville Legend, second in the Group 1 Heinz 57 Phoenix Stakes at Leopardstown last year, got off the mark when gaining a hard-earned half length verdict over Mala Mala in the Kanturk Maiden. 'Bringing her back to six furlongs was a big help, and it is great to get a winning bracket', said winning trainer Con Collins' daughter Tracy.
Love Me True was a further neck back in third, and her rider Colm O'Donoghue was given a one day suspension for excessive use of the whip.
See More Perks was prominent throughout in the Conna Novice Chase, and Tom Treacy's mount headed Ebony Flyer on the run-in to score by two lengths. The 4/7 favourite Afarad appeared to lose his confidence after a mistake at the second, and dropped away tamely before being pulled up entering the straight.
'He jumped well, and loves that firm ground. That's his second win here this year over fences', said Nenagh trainer Tony Seymour.
Curragh handler James Burns saddled his sixth winner of the season when Riyal Dream made a successful debut in the Charleville EBF Maiden. Jason Behan sent the Eagle Eyed filly to the front over a furlong out for a comfortable three quarters of a length verdict over King's Opera. 'She is a nice filly, and will probably go for a winners race at the Curragh later this month', said Burns.
The Wayne Lordan-ridden Sea Leopard survived a lengthy stewards enquiry after drifting right when heading San Marco two furlongs out to beat that rival by a length in the seven furlongs handicap.
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