Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins struck with Red Vinto in the Kilkenny Racing Festival Handicap Hurdle.
Walsh had the six-year-old settled towards the rear of the field throughout most of the contest, but produced him with a telling move two flights from home.< Molinero and Jawad went in pursuit and looked like serious challengers immediately after the last, but the 3-1 favourite found more for pressure and scored by one and a quarter lengths from the former.< The Rall rewarded favourite-backers when the well-backed 3-1 chance outstayed Kirbybroguelantern to land the Sheestown Hurdle.
Steadily making ground throughout the final circuit, Roger Loughran drove Dessie Hughes's six-year-old into the lead at the last and he ran on well to win by two lengths.< Monty Mint demonstrated the benefit of his recent comeback run at Galway by emerging victorious in the Gowran Park Racing Club 2009 Handicap Chase.
Tom Foley's charge was never too far from the long-time leader Berkerys Treasure throughout and jumped well in the main.
After leaping to the front two out, he battled gamely under David Flannery and was kept up to his work to win by one and a quarter lengths from gallant runner-up Keelaghan
Foley and Flannery combined to win again in what turned out to be a dramatic Stoneyford Beginners Chase.
With the three market leaders all failing to complete the course, including The Gloves Are Off who fell at the last with the race at his mercy, 8-1 chance Dancing Hero profited by narrowly denying Whatever Next < Mohtarres and Spare Change produced a grandstand finish to the Ballyhale Handicap Hurdle, with the latter just edging it under Shane Jackson.
The pair were locked in battle up the straight, and though Mohtarres held a narrow advantage two out, Spare Change got back on terms at the last.
Philip Rothwell's 8-1 chance got his nose in front on the run-in and never relinquished the lead, recording a head success.< Head Of The River built on the promise of his third on his hurdling debut when running out a wide-margin
© www.irish-racing.com
