Red Giant and Jonathan Moore pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Red Giant followed-up on his win at Wexford on Wednesday, as he took the Mullingar & North Westmeath Vintners Association Novice Hurdle.
A well-backed favourite at Bettyville, the Noel Meade trained chestnut again came in for some market support here, opening on-course at 2's, before going off the 15/8 joint-favourite.
Settled in second by Jonathan Moore, he was pushed along from five out and made a mistake at the next.
He responded well to a few reminders after that error, and soon hit the front. He had all his rivals off the bridle on the approach to the last, and while he did tire on the run-in, he kept going to hold off Consharon Boy by a length and three parts.
The runner-up was the other joint-favourite, with David Splaine in the saddle for Terence O'Brien.
The front two went eleven lengths clear of Everyday Everyhour who was third.
Meade, who trains the winner for Patricia Hunt, said afterwards: "The reason I ran him again so quickly was because, as far as I could see, there is no other three mile novice until October!
"I thought we may as well take our chance as he needs three miles.
"He'll probably be better over fences and chasing is more his game.
"I thought he was going to be very good after his first run when he was fourth in the bumper but he had two terrible runs afterwards. He was obviously just not a bumper horse.
"It was a competitive race today and he's done that well enough."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident at the bend on leaving the back straight on the final circuit involving Everyday Everyhour (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed third, Notwhatiam ridden by D. Meyler,unplaced and Red Giant, ridden by J.M. Moore, placed first, where it appeared that Everyday Everyhour (GB) ran short of room on the rails and was checked. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by J.M. Moore riding carelessly and therefore suspended him for 2 racedays.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
