Callow Lake looked like he'd develop into a Triumph Hurdle horse after making a successful hurdling debut over the course and distance back in November and the dual flat winner showed his liking for Clonmel yesterday as he returned to the venue to capture the featured Nire Hurdle.
In truth David Wachman's four-year-old could be called a winner well before the straight after going clear under Mark Grant and showing plenty of determination kept going for a three and a half length win.
The winning handler commented in the aftermath: 'He's a tough little horse and he'll mix this game with the flat over the summer as he likes better ground.'
It takes some getting used to seeing Michael Kinane not in the dark blue silks of Mrs.John Magnier but last year's champion rider began his new job as stable jockey to John Oxx in the best possible way as he partnered his first win for the yard on home soil since attaining his new position.
Sahara Sonnet, a well-related daughter of Stravinsky, had to battle hard to prevail by half a length in the maiden and Oxx now plans to step Lady O'Reilly's filly up to Listed class in an attempt to attain some black type.
Twenty-two-year old Niall Halley, having his fourth ride, partnered his first win on the track aboard his mother's Boom Economy in the beginners chase, triumphing by two and a half lengths.
Previously with John Berry and having only his second start for Paul Roche, this fellow led before the straight and stayed on well to beat the Berry-trained, Corston Jigthyme.
Minaun Heights, a five-year-old previously unsuccessful in thirteen attempts, rewarded the patience of her connections when easily taking the mile two furlong handicap by six lengths for Con Collins and Pat Shanahan.
Eight previous foals from the mare Traumerei have proved successful and offspring number nine, Time On Your Side kept up the family tradition when battling gamely for a neck win in the three-year-old handicap. Carlow trainer, Brian Nolan has the filly under his care and the 10/1 shot was ridden by David Moran.
A change of scenery has often been put forward as a reason for a horse improving in form and Berkley, having his second start for Pat Verling made a decisive move approaching the straight in the handicap chase before holding on by two lengths under Mark Walsh after making a last fence mistake.
Verling attributed much of the credit to the seven-year-old's former trainer, Michael Cullen, who had the 8/1 chance chance 'fit and well' before he expressed the hope that another win could be in the offing.
Racing concluded with well-backed, La Mandragola (3/1 - 2/1) beating favourite, Major Burns by three lengths in the two mile maiden hurdle for trainer Robbie Osborne and rider David Maher.
