The rain at Limerick may have forced a number of runners to pull out of the Coffey Construction Handicap Hurdle, but it proved ideal for Edward O'Grady's Marseillais (16/1).
The valuable contest lost some of its lustre with the withdrawal of French Accordion but that didn't affect the winner, who travelled sweetly with the leaders under Andrew McNamara, before striking for home with five flights left to jump.< Vintage Port was the only horse to get into contention in the home straight but he could not get to the winner, who kept up his remorseless gallop to register a three-length success.
Paul Carberry was at his confident best when guiding Schelm to a cosy success in the Bulmers Summer Sundays Novice Hurdle.
Waiting well off the pace on the 11/4 second favourite, Carberry allowed him to move closer to the lead after the third-last.
Market leader Sanglote tried to put up a battlet, but Carberry sat motionless on Schelm, who eased to a one-length victory.< Baskerville just held off the attentions of South Wing to land the Coffey Construction Maiden Hurdle.
The 13/2 chance looked to have the race in safe hands after a mistake by Farinelli at the last, but he had to be driven out by Sean Flanagan as South Wing came from out of the clouds. However, the post came in time for Baskerville, who won by a short-head.
Michael Hourigan's Amicus Curiae showed plenty of grit and determination to come out on top in the Bothar Hibernian Maiden Hurdle under Tom Doyle.
The 6/1 chance was under pressure a long way out as The Boxer Coffey cruised into the lead, but his challenge folded quickly after the second-last and Doyle was able to find another gear on Amicus Curiae, who won going away by five lengths.
© www.irish-racing.com
