Review LIMERICK 17TH MAR

Michael Hourigan was due to depart for Cheltenham straight after witnessing his Hi Cloy make short work of three rivals in the featured Hugh McMahon Memorial Novice Chase.

Twenty one year old Robbie Moran, riding his first winner for Hourigan, let his mount lead on the bridle at the second last and the 4/5 favourite wasn't in the slightest bit extended to score by ten lengths.

Interestingly Moran partnered SunAlliance victor, Fundamentalist to win his last point-to-point back in October. The Power Gold Cup is now on the triumphant seven-year old's agenda.

Whilst the eyes of the racing world were on the action cross the sea, Cloughjordan man, Eugene Cleary enjoyed a memorable day as he saddled his first winner as a trainer.

Formerly a runner in the name of Cleary's cousin, Michael Carroll, Criaire Princess made all the running under Johnny Levins to take the mares novice hurdle by a hard fought neck.

'She's very consistent and has been only out of the frame once in her last ten starts. She will either have a break now or go for a novice hurdle at Navan in about ten days time,' said Cleary.

Captain Moonlight, successful at Wexford on Saturday last, followed up under a mandatory 4Ib penalty in the three mile handicap chase. The 4/1 shot had to work hard to beat favourite, Coolnahilla by two and a half lengths.

Trainer, Thomond O'Mara said of Willie Slattery's mount, 'blood and guts won it for him as he didn't jump well. He's run six miles now in five days so he'll have a break now.'

Dunbrody Millar found 8/1 from an opening chalk of 12/1 for the opening maiden hurdle and justified the market confidence. Michael Cullen's charge made the rest after Lincam ran out at the third.

Post race the Wexford handler commented, 'he's been knocking on the door and deserved that as he is tough and genuine. He'll make a nice chaser next year.'

Macs-Bet made all the running in the handicap hurdle for trainer John Sherman and rider Kevin Coleman (his fourth win in the plate).

Michael Hourigan doubled his tally later in the day when Old Kilminchy ran out a fortuitous winner of the beginners chase, six length leader, Jack Of The Cross crashing out at the last.

That's An Idea, added to a 'pointing' victory and a Clonmel success by making all in the bumper under Paul Cashman to credit Mags Mullins with her fourth winner as a trainer.

Meanwhile the main news to come from the meeting at Down Royal was a treble for jockey Ross Geraghty. The hat trick was completed in the opening three races.

Mr Murphy, Another Aspect and Endastory were the three winners and in the process, Barry's elder brother lost the right to claim.