The popular midlands track held its first fixture of the year, and a crowd of 8,500 witnessed Tinahely trainer Philip Rothwell saddle the first two home in the featured Belvedere House Gardens & Park Handicap Hurdle.
Joe Casey elected to force the pace on Oneofthesimpsons, and the tactics worked a treat as the eight-year-old mare stayed on tenaciously to repel stablemate Geodalus by three quarters of a length. 'She's small, and is not up to carrying big weights', said Rothwell, who also paid tribute to Casey's 'enterprising ride'.
Rothwell was faniced to double up in the Dawn Dairies Beginners Chase with Celio, but the front-running gelding could find no extra when headed before the last by Ojay. Dessie Hughes' charge travelled strongly to strike the front, but needed to be shaken up by Kieran Kelly on the run-in to beat Political Animal by three lengths.
'He likes that ground, and will be kept on the go over the summer with the Galway Festival a likely target', said Hughes.
John Thomas McNamara compled a double in the final two races aboard Spot Thedifference and Polly's Dream.
Spot Thedifference responded gamely to strong riding when heading Father Andy in the closing stages for a length and a half triumph in the Keenan Bros Hunters Chase, while Polly's Dream completed a miserable evening for punters when passing favourite Henry Hammond in the straight to take the bumper.
'He stays well, and is a fine jumper', commented trainer Noel Meade after Halfpenny Bridge shrugged off the challenge of Scallybuck approaching the last in the Thorntons Recycling Centre Handicap Chase. Paul Carberry eased the winner down in the closing stages for an eleven lengths victory.
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