Claragh Native rekindled memories of former decent staying jumps handicapper The Quads when carrying the same green and red colours to success in the Win A Diamond Ring Today Handicap Hurdle.
Omagh-based Brian Mellon bred the six-year-old gelding and is also the main driving force behind the successful Not For Friends Partnership.
The result was never in doubt after Andrew McNamara sent the Arthur Moore-trained gelding to the front before two out.
The 4/1 favourite appeared to have plenty in hand when giving Lake Return (11/2) a five and a half length beating, with top-weight Bennys Quest (8/1) another seven length adrift.
There was drama here at the very first hurdle where Eamonn Corbett was unseated from Cordless and it is feared that the claimer may have fractured his right arm.
Arthur Moore said: “He's been knocking on the door, and handled this track well. Two miles to two and a quarter seems to be his trip, and that's the first winner Andrew has had for me.
“Originally the plan was to come back here in three weeks time but he may go up too much in the weights, so we could go to Listowel instead.”
Alan Magee
