One of the most respected partnerships in jump racing combined to land the Kerry National at Listowel today, with trainer Michael O'Brien giving jockey Ruby Walsh his first win in the race, with Banasan.
Banasan held the challenge of the staying on Fatherofthebride by 1 1/2l in a competitive 16 runner race.
The 6yo gelding was produced to lead jumping the second last although Walsh reported 'I got to the front an hour and a half too soon! I was supposed to arrive after the last but he was travelling very easily at the time.'
The winning trainer was not present while owner Sean Mulryan missed the race, having arrived late following an enforced diversion in his helicopter.
O'Brien's assistant Denis Cullen did report 'the ground was our only concern coming here. He may go for the Munster National at Limerick next month while a race at Cheltenham's November Open meeting is another possibility.'
The opening Patsy Byrne Race went to Kevin Prendergast's Akarem. Apprentice jockey Christy Geoghegan was faultless on the winner while neither Prendergast nor owner Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum were present.
Tim Doyle's Summer Magic ploughed her way through the heavy ground and proved a shock 16/1 winner of the Ballygarry House Hotel Handicap under Cathy Gannon.
Afterwards Doyle reported that the winner 'loves soft ground but needs to relax in her races. She may run again on Friday while Cathy gave her a lovely ride today.'
Noel Meade's No Half Session easily won the Befair Maiden Hurdle under a ridiculously stylish and confident Paul Carberry while Charles O'Brien's Cupid's Bow landed the 7f handicap.
Trainer Noel Glynn puts plenty of thought into naming his horses and his Dangerousdanmagru landed the 2m handicap chase while the bumper went to John Murphy's Co Cork outfit, with Try Catch Paddy.
