Both sets of connections were delighted after Macs Joy got the better of Brave Inca by a length in the Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon.
Macs Joy, receiving 10lb from his rival, proved too strong for last year's Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner, who was making his seasonal debut.
Jessica Harrington's charge jumped to the lead over the second last and was followed through by Brave Inca as long-time leader Barrack Buster weakened. Macs Joy was always holding a length advantage to the line as Brave Inca threw down his challenge.
'I'm delighted, he did it very well. He was entitled to win getting 10lb off Brave Inca. Barry (Geraghty) was very happy with him. I don't know where he will go next. He is in the Hattons Grace at Fairyhouse while Leopardstown at Christmas is a big possibility. The Tote Gold Trophy is also definitely on the cards,' said winning trainer Jessica Harrington.
Colm Murphy was also delighted with the effort of the runner-up: 'He ran a cracker considering he was giving Macs Joy 10lb.' The Hattons Grace is next on the cards for him.
Brave Inca remains a 12/1 shot for the Champion Hurdle with Cashmans and Sean Grahams while Macs Joy is also unchanged at 14/1.
Cheltenham bumper winner Total Enjoyment made a successful start to her hurdling career with a comfortable three-and-a-half length win over Sanghasta in the EBF Scarvagh House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle.
Walsh let his mount ease into the front over the fourth last and Sanghasta was the only danger in the home straight. Walsh shook his mount up at the second last to dispose of that rival and Total Enjoyment survived a mistake at the last to post a convincing performance.
'That's a great start. She will improve two stone from that. Ruby said she was an absolute machine and that he would love to ride her next time in the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse. The plan then is Leopardstown at Christmas and straight to Cheltenham after that,' said trainer Tom Cooper.
Mariah Rollins looked a useful recruit to chasing when scoring in fine style in the JWJ Porter & Co Beginners Chase. She led two out and was eased down by David Casey to beat Strike Back by a length-and-a-half.
Stromstad stayed on well in the testing conditions to land the opening Alphameric Leisure Ltd 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle for Joey Elliott and Steven Mahon. Romaha almost gave Elliott and Mahon a quick double in the Allianz Maiden Hurdle but just failed to hold the challenge of Liberty Flag.
Mahon did record a double when Dawadari recorded his third course and distance success when taking the Archie Watson Memorial Flat Race.
