Ruby Walsh became the first rider to win the Guinness Kerry National for the third consecutive year as Bothar Na triumphed in the showpiece of the week.
Sporting a plaster on his face after receiving a kick from a loose horse in Closutton this morning, the four stitches sustained in that incident proved no barrier to success.
Successful on Euro Leader twelve months ago for Bothar Na's trainer, Willie Mullins, Walsh (had a double today with Bobs Pride) was of course victorious on Banasan for Michael O'Brien in 2004.
Here the easy to back 10/1 shot put in a convincing performance, leading from six out and staying on well under pressure from before the last for a comfortable 2L verdict over the jolly,' Pearly Jack.
Mullins thought beforehand that his chance was slim with the rain meaning the going was soft to heavy. The 7yo Mister Lord gelding is thought to need a better surface.
However the chestnut is obviously versatile in that regard having won a point-to-point on virtually unraceable terrain at Stradbally in April last year and a hunter chase on soft.
He also has the distinction of winning' two races in the one day, a Kilbeggan hunter chase on May 23rd 2005, whilst also reinstated on appeal as winner of a similar contest at Limerick earlier that month.
A widely acknowledged fortunate scorer at Tralee last time, Bothar Na finished fourth in the Aintree Foxhunters in April and Mullins was keen to look back on that effort.
He said, 'his jumping is just fantastic and he handled the fences beautifully at Liverpool. The National there is the long term plan.
'The Munster National might come too soon for him and Cheltenham in November could be a possibility.' Boylesports quote Bothar Na at 33/1 for the English National.
There were also bookmakers slips flying around in the aftermath of the five-year-old and up maiden hurdle with Kalderon the subject of the activity after doing what was expected of him.
David Casey didn't have to ask Tom Hogan's charge any questions to dispose of Colonel Arthur by 1 1/4L. This Listed horse on the flat was justifying 11/10 favouritism on his third hurdle effort.
Tom Hogan commented about his German-bred, 'he is still very green and was looking at his hurdles. He'll jump better on better ground.
'Tipperary on the first of October could be next for him. If we're good enough we'll have him for next March.' Cashmans go 33/1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Mister Lord, sire of the hero of the day is also responsible for Kahuna. This 9yo made it two on the trot when registering his 7th career win in the h'cap chase for Eamonn Sheehy and Paul Carberry.
Elusive Dream's defection from the opening maiden (delayed by almost 17 minutes due to track alterations following all the by 3L.
Trained by Kevin Prendergast and ridden by Chris Hayes, the son of Montjeu had been backed at 8/1 in morning trading before Elusive Dream (the 10/11 market-leader) came out.
The next two winners may have been drawn widest of all in stall fifteen but that proved no hindrance to either Man With A Plan or Lucky Lynsey.
Man With A Plan, equipped with first-time blinkers, drifted left under Pat Smullen when delivering his challenge in the seven furlong maiden before running on well to lead near the finish.
Dermot Weld's colt was a neck in front of City Of New York at the line but he had to survive a steward's enquiry before being confirmed the winner.
Weld doubled-up an hour later with Bobs Pride. A Group 3 victor on the level on yielding to soft, the 11/4 favourite quickened well after the last in the hands of Ruby Walsh to land the maiden hurdle.
Lucky Lynsey got in as first reserve in the seven furlong handicap with Michael Hussey taking the mount having been scheduled to ride the non-runner, Dollars Rock.
Tim Doyle's four-year-old just held off the flying-finish of Crooked Throw by a short head. The daughter of Gothenberg was taking her record to two from fifteen, both wins achieved on testing ground.
The bumper saw Liz Doyle combine roles as trainer and rider of The Hoodoo Remains. The 12/1 chance showed stamina in abundance to win by 1 1/2L.
