Reigning champion Paul Carberry completed a 48 1/2 to 1 double on this seven race mixed card when successful aboard Born Flyer and Mullahoran.
Born Flyer made all in the Dennison Commercials Ltd Handicap Hurdle, with Al O'Connell's charge staying on well in the straight to beat Cochis Run by two-and-a-half-lengths.
Carberry was seen at his strongest on Mullahoran in the Campbell Freight Maiden Hurdle, overhauling his younger brother Philip's mount Sheer Martina in the closing stages to score by half a length. 'We will keep her novice hurdling, and good ground is the key to her,' said trainer Dusty Sheehy of the course bumper winner.
Indeed the Meathman went very close to a treble on the evening as Northern Mill was just touched off by Biondo in the Fraser Homes N.I. Ltd. Mares Novice Hurdle. King's Opera was the hard luck story here having stumbled and fell on landing after the last when travelling strongly in the lead. 'She should pick up a race on the Flat under a mile as she has plenty of foot,' said successful trainer Paul Nolan.
Mighty Mist will 'continue to mix it between the Flat and hurdles' according to trainer Ger Lyons after being ridden up with the pace throughout by Wayne Smith for a hard-earned neck verdict over Corban in division one of the Claimsafe Handicap.
Lady Of The Chase made a winning reappearance in division two, benefitting from a powerful drive by Pat Shanahan to deny long-time leader Tara's Gift by a neck. Sullivan's Cascade was a further length-and-a-half back in third, but his rider Wayne Lordan was given a three days suspension (June 30, July 1 & 3) for excessive use of the whip.
Hiawatha asserted inside the final furlong for Declan McDonogh to beat Lines Of Battle by five lengths in the A Bartlett & Sons (Airdrie) Ltd Maiden.
Alan Magee
