Review CORK 22-APR-2000

Championship leader Barry Geraghty brought his seasonal tally to 75, 16 clear of nearest pursuer Conor O'Dwyer, when completing a 25/1 double.

The Meath rider, who looks virtually assured of claiming his first title, initiated his brace aboard Edward O'Grady's Message Recu (7/4-13/8f).

Carrying the colours of the 12 strong Cathedral Syndicate including Galway Chairman and Steward of the Turf Club Ray Rooney, the winner came home 1L clear of Discerning Air.

Paul Hourigan finished runner-up again in the next aboard his father Michael's Scallybuck, behind Andrew Lee's Decanter (10/1) and Mick Murphy.

It transpired last seasons champion claimer had a very valid excuse as he dislocated his shoulder close home when driving Scallybuck in pursuit of the eventual winner.

He was taken to Mallow Hospital and it was later reported he'll have to undergo an operation which means he will miss the ride on Native Estates in the Irish Grand National.

There as a sting in the tail for Mick Murphy, who partnered winner Decanter, when he was banned for two days for using his whip excessively.

Belle Star suffered a fatal fall at the penultimate flight when launching her challenge in the featured Murphys Handicap Hurdle.

Victory here went to Frances Crowley's Lodge Hill after Barry Geraghty produced the 9/1 shot with a perfectly timed challenge to head Ellenjay close home.

'He prefers better ground and that was a worry. He'll eventually go over fences,' said the Piltown handler, who trains the 6yo for the Skibbereen-based Ilen Syndicate.

Yara (2/1-13/8f), runner-up to Fasliyev in the Group 1 Heinz 57 at Leopardstown last August, had to settle for the runner-up berth yet again in the 1m maiden.

Kevin Prendergast's filly finished runner-up for the 8th time from 9 outings behind Aidan O'Brien's newcomer Paper Moon (5/2-5/1) and Mick Kinane.

The winner was purchased for 120,000 gns. as a yearling by Demi O'Byrne for the all-powerful John Magnier/Michael Tabor alliance.

With no winner of the Jackpot, a carryover of #2,196 is on offer back here on Sunday.

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