Damut, David Casey, and Joe Dullea© Photo Healy Racing
< Damut (11-1) produced a gutsy display to open his account in the Nire Valley Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel on Thursday evening.
Following an improved showing at Thurles on his first start for Joe Dullea, the seven-year-old was always prominent and led the field into the home straight in the feature event.
The writing looked to be on the wall when the well supported Lucky Pat loomed large approaching the second-last, but David Casey's mount responded in fine fashion to pull three and a quarter lengths clear of the 9-4 favourite and give his trainer his first winner.
Birdies Boy (10-1) maintained his progress to get off the mark under Rules in the Summer BBQ At Clonmel Races June 12th Handicap Hurdle.
The point-to-point winner showed improvement to finish second at Cork last month and managed to go one better on his handicap debut, although John Walsh's charge was made to work very hard for his neck victory as Dante Anna pushed him all the way to the line.
There was drama in the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle as Full Cry (5-1) made winning start under NH Rules for Henry de Bromhead.
Andrew Lynch's mount jumped and travelled well and looked set to fight it out with Clounts Meadows when the latter took a heavy fall at the penultimate hurdle.
Thankfully the gelding and jockey Niall Madden got up after hitting the deck and the winner came home two and a quarter lengths clear of Theatre Flame < Kala Brandy got favourite backers off to a good start when landing the opening Ladies Free Admission This Evening Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Representing the father and son combination of Tim and Paul Townend, the 5-2 chance was always going well and pulled three and a half lengths clear of Kris Kindle after hitting the front two out.
Ruby Walsh was out of luck on My Matador as the 9-2 chance made a bad blunder two out when in front, allowing Sea's Aria (11-1) to pounce for a six-length success.< Key Account (10-1) thwarted the late thrust of Redclue by half a length in the Girls Night Out Handicap Hurdle, while Roconga (3-1j) p
