Ruby Walsh got down to near his minimum weight of 10st3lb on River Cora in the #18,000 Niall Brosnan & Co Solicitor Handicap Chase, and the effort proved more than worthwhile as the Willie Mullins-trained gelding landed the spoils.
Walsh, who celebrated his 22nd birthday yesterday, gave the seven-year-old a powerfull drive from the last to beat Emerald Gale by a length. 'We will aim him at the Galway Plate, and hopefully he can get into the handicap', said Mullins.
Cog De Mirande landed a gamble in style when making all under Conor O'Dwyer to take the EBF Beginners Chase. The French-bred gelding put in a fine round of jumping, and cruised home in the straight to beat Tate Tirol by 20 lengths.
'He's a top of the ground horse, and a very good jumper', said trainer Arthur Moore, who added: 'The experience he gained last year stood to him, and there is a novice for him at Navan next month'.
Chanoud was the clear form pick in the McSweeney Arms Maiden Hurdle (Division 1), and the 2/7 favourite readily justified his market position when recording a facile win. Paul Carberry's mount jumped to the front two out, and came home on a tight rein by two and a half lengths from Commanche Lodge.
'He likes the faster ground, and deserved to win a maiden. The plan is to mix it between the Flat and hurdles, and he'll go for a mile and a half handicap at the Curragh on Guineas weekend', said trainer Michael Halford.
