This years renewal of the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial may not live up to its recent tall reputation of producing Derby winners but the five runner event proved a dramatic affair.
Grand Central was sent off the well-supported 6/4 favourite but Kieren Fallon got into all sorts of traffic problems on the far rail in the straight.
Alayan (Mick Kinane) and Fracas (Jamie Spencer) had the favourite trapped in a pocket, and the pair fought a terrific finish with the David Wachman-trained colt just prevailing.
'That was only his third race and he's still a bit green. His guts got him there, and I will talk to the owner (Joe Joyce) before making plans,' said Wachman.
'He's entered in a number of Derby's and is entitled to run in one, or maybe two.'
Aidan O'Brien was not too downbeat afterwards saying, 'Grand Central is still very much in the Derby picture.'
O'Brien and Fallon had better luck elsewhere as newcomer Scorpion finished strongly to catch Magnolia Lane in the 10f maiden, while Belle Artiste landed the 1,000 Guineas Trial.
Fallon sent the Namid filly to the front inside the final furlong to beat the staying on Sky High Flyer by 3/4L, with Adaala just a neck back in third.
'That was a marvelous ride by Kieren as she has to be produced late. She's improved over the winter and could go for the Irish 1,000 Guineas,' said O'Brien.
Tolpuddle prevented a Ballydoyle treble in the concluding Listed Amethyst Stakes when denying Solskjaer by half a length, and Tommy Stack may send him hurdling next winter.
Harry Rogers was another trainer in double form when Imperial Rose (Chris Hayes) and Kilmannin (Amy Parsons) enjoyed handicap wins.
Champion claimer Tom Ryan and trainer Frances Crowley teaming up for a 74/1 double in the opening two races at Killarney with Kazan Lady and Haggle Twins.
Ryan sent Kazan Lady clear early on the final circuit in the 4yo maiden hurdle, and the tactic proved decisive as they held on well in the straight for a 9L win from the well-backed Visit Wexford (14/1-8/1)
'She will mix it between the Flat and hurdles while there is a little ease in the ground. She wouldn't want it firm, and really needs two miles on the Flat,' said Ms Crowley.
Haggle Twins benefitted from a strong drive by Ryan to complete the double half-an-hour later in the Killarney Grand Hotel Handicap Hurdle.
Hold The Pin flattered briefly between the final two flights but Crowley's charge found plenty under pressure and got on top in the closing stages to score by 3/4L.
'We thought he wanted three miles, and it's good to get him back to winning ways,' said Crowley.
Mark Watts enjoyed by far his biggest win to-date by partnering Calorando to land the featured Murphys Irish Stout Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.
The 6yo gelding was produced with a steady run to lead before the final flight, and kept on well on the run-in to beat Arc En Ciel by 1L.
'He will go back on the Flat and the long term aim this year will be the Galway Hurdle,' said successful trainer Tony Mullins.
Strong Project proved a facile winner of the O'Connor, Sutton & Cronin Consulting Engineers Chase, jumping past Risk Accessor at the second last to score by 9L.
'He's as tough as nails, and may run in a Flat race here on Tuesday,' said delighted winning trainer Charlie Swan.
Eurotrack made a successful switch from the hunter chasing ranks to cause something of a surprise in the Gleneagle Hotel Handicap Chase.
Garrett Cotter's mount led before three out to beat Black Church Lad by 2 1/2L, and trainer Pat O'Connor is also considering bringing him back here on Tuesday.
Nina Carberry added to her growing reputation when producing Dolphin Bay between horses inside the final furlong to beat Three Mirrors by a neck in the Dawn Reid Ladies Handicap.
'I'm delighted that Nina has ridden a winner for us as Philip rides out alot in my yard. He should progress further, and 10f could be his trip as he has bundles of pace,' said Curragh trainer James Burns.
Keys Pride gained a hard earned win in the bumper under John O'Meara, holding on by 1L from newcomer Behorridcareful.
Alan Magee
