Barry Geraghty is making full use of the enforced absence of his nearest rivals at the head of the riders' championship. Last season's leading claimer dominated proceedings at Thurles yesterday with a near 170 to 1 treble.
Geraghty teamed up with Cork trainer Eugene O'Sullivan for the first two legs of his treble, The Hen Hut and Bandon Valley, while he was also successful on the Noel Meade-trained Andrea Cova in the novice chase.
The Hen Hut justified strong support in the Comeragh Maiden Hurdle (Div 11) when making smooth headway to lead entering the straight.
The Geraghty-O'Sullivan team followed up when Bandon Valley made most in the Devils Bit Handicap Hurdle. Geraghty deputised for the injured Paul Carberry aboard Andrea Cova in the Knockmealdown Beginners Chase. The eight-year-old mare was never far off the pace and regained the advantage at the last to beat Right`N'Royal by eight lengths.
