Barry Geraghty dominated proceedings at the Esso-Three Rivers Oil sponsored Gowran Park meeting on Saturday when completing a near 30/1 treble to cement his huge lead at the head of the National Hunt jockeys table.
Slaney Native was the star of the Geraghty trio when readily justifying favouritism under Barry Geraghty in the novice chase. The seven-year-old cruised to the front off the home turn to beat Fadoudal Du Cochet by an easy ten lengths, and trainer Jessica Harrington commented afterwards: 'We had to rush his preparation for Cheltenham but he is back in good form now. He will go for the Power Gold Cup at Fairyhouse providing the ground is not too quick.'
Harrington and Geraghty teamed up for a quick double half an hour later with Hakim De Ferbet in division one of the maiden hurdle. The well-backed favourite will 'run in something over two and a half miles at the Punchestown Festival', and Harrington is looking forward to sending the French bred gelding chasing next season.
Geraghty completed his treble aboard the Henry de Bromhead-trained Feeling Grand in the handicap chase to move onto the 70 winner mark for the season - 14 clear of nearest pursuer Conor O'Dwyer. de Bromhead, who only took out a licence this year, was doubling up having earlier saddled his first Flat winner with Peace Prevails in the opening mile handicap.
Grand Finale upset the Ballydoyle bandwagon when touching off 1/5 shot Apollo Victoria in the April Fools Day Challenge Race. The Dermot Weld-trained half-brother to Market Booster joined the hot-pot approaching the furlong pole and, after a protracted battle, got the verdict by the minimum margin at the line.
Weld was not at the meeting but later reported by telephone that 'the Ballysax race (Listed) at Leopardstown (April 16) is the logical choice for his next run.' He added: 'He is an immature, big horse and our patience with him is now paying off.'
