The Jessica Harrington-trained Intelligent credited Robert Power with his first winner since mid-September by landing the featured Guinness Greenmount Park Novice Chase at a well-attended Limerick yesterday. Owned by Norman Moore from Athy, Intelligent eventually favourite Barrow Drive by five lengths.
However, the undoubted star of the afternoon was amateur Richie Harding who amazingly partnered no less than four winners.
21-year-old Harding is attached to Michael Hourigan's local Patrckswell stable and he recorded his first success of the afternoon when his governor's previous course bumper winner Oliverjohn took the Pricewaterhousecoopers Maiden Hurdle.
Harding was witnessed to magnificent effect when making all the running with Hourigan's King Carew in the Tom Cross Drilling Hurdle. Meanwhile, he later combined with Michael Hourigan's fomer stable jockey Kevin O'Brien to win the Au Bars Handicap Hurdle with Reminscer. Another handicap will now feature on Reminscer's itinerary.
Harding's fourth winner came courtesy of Hourigan's Dromhale Lady in the Rathbarry Stud Blueprint Handicap Chase. However, he undoubtedly had luck on his side here as Eric McNamara's Keepakicker was assured of victory when capsizing at the final obstacle.
Keith Hadnett is reaping the rewards of a fine season and the Galway Plate winning jockey combined with 'Mouse' Morris to capture the opening Holmes O'Malley Sexton Maiden Hurdle.
