'I'd have no worries taking on anything on heavy ground,' said a confident Tony Mullins after his charge The Galway Man returned to form when taking the beginners chase, and in the process completed a double for rider David Casey.
The Galway Man, a smart bumper performer before meeting with a training setback, finished best to beat Harithabad by half a length and Mullins was in bullish mood afterwards. 'He had a problem with his hind-quarters and was left off for six months but he's a very good horse, and I'd have no worries about taking on anything on heavy ground. He may go for a winners race next and, if the ground is right, could go for the William Neville at Leopardstown over Christmas.'
Casey was also successful earlier aboard Seaforde in the juvenile hurdle, with the Mouse Morris-trained three-year-old making all and finding a bit extra on the run-in to prevail by a length from Quel Doun. 'He jumps and stays well, and is a nice fun horse to have although he'll probably give the Denny Hurdle a miss,' said Morris.
The three miles handicap chase was the most valuable race on this seven race card, and victory here went to the 3/1 favourite Some Ticket. The six-year-old mare asserted between the final two fences under Gary Hutchinson to beat Hennessy Feeds by three lengths.
Gerry O'Neill saddled his first winner under rules for nearly two years when Old Pike Girl justified support in division two of the mares maiden hurdle. John Levins' mount, backed from 10/1 to 8/1, headed Call Me Judy after the last to score by three and a half lengths and will be aimed now at the Limerick Christmas meeting.
Another Dollar was weak in the market (2/1 to 3/1 joint favourite) for division one of the mares maiden hurdle but she belied the lack of confidence in determined fashion. 'She's a lovely mare and a very well bred one. The softer ground and longer trip helped her today,' said Jessica Harrington after the daughter of Supreme Leader stayed on well from the second last to beat Celestial Light by four and a half lengths.
Paddy Flood (17) recorded his fifth winner when Don Amechie was prominent throughout in the opportunity handicap hurdle, and Dessie Hughes' charge rallied gamely in the straight to beat Echo Leader by two and a half lengths with An Culainn Beag flying home another neck away in third.
Alan Magee
