A heavy police presence and searching of racegoers entering the track was understandable today in the light of recent disruption to Down Royal's schedule.
That won't have bothered Garvan Donnelly much, as the previous 15 year employee of Arthur Moore, got off the mark as a trainer in the opening 4yo maiden hurdle with Astalanda.
Ridden by Sonny Carey (his 6th success), brother of the winning owner, Rosey Carey, this ex-Frank Ennis inmate, left behind past form to come home an easy 15L to the good.
Donnelly has been training for 6 months at Garristown in North County Dublin. Front-running fav, Count Kearney was headed and under pressure when falling at the third last.
Rider of that one, Barry Geraghty was stood down for the remainder of the day. His unsuccessful mounts after went to Denis O'Regan and Keith Bowens.
Very much the one for money this morning, Mercuric, emphasised the revival in fortunes of Jessica Harrington's string by taking the 2m 4f maiden hurdle with Tommy Treacy.
'Moscow Flyer worked well this morning with Macs Joy and I am now happy with all my horses,' explained Mrs. Harrington.
Like those two, Letterman is also Cheltenham bound, for one of the novice hurdles, the Edward O'Grady-trained Presenting gelding booking his ticket in the winners of 1 hurdle.
The 7/4 market-leader was always to the fore and after leading before two out under Paddy Flood, he could be eased on the run-in to defeat County Final by 4L.
At least one bookmaking firm went as long as 25/1 about Huncheon Paddy this morning and support saw him open on course at 12/1 before being returned at 10/1.
A winner of 5 points and a hunter chase, Ian Ferguson's 9yo hasn't been easy to train but on his handicap bow off 93 he got the job done in the hands of Andrew Leigh.
For Leigh this was a most welcome win, his first since partnering Ossiana to victory at Clonmel late last August.
Ferguson completed a near 60/1 double in the beginners chase but Davy Russell missed the ride on Mr McAuley as a fall from Akinola has ruled him out until the weekend.
Derek O'Connor deputised on Mr McAuley, getting the better of Handsuposcar (mistake last) on the run-in to beat Marco The Builder by 2L.
O'Connor himself went on to register a 43/1 brace when he got Philip Rothwell's Gotcha Covered up close home to take the bumper.
Mervyn Torrens and Niall Madden successfully combined when The Duck caused a shock at Downpatrick in December and the duo were on the mark again with Bella's Bailey's.
Trained by Torrens in Omagh, this 12/1 shot was reappearing quickly after a run at Fairyhouse last Saturday. She was lucky to avoid being brought down four out here.
Jockeys in the wars were, Barry Geraghty who is expected to be back in action at Thurles tomorrow after suffering a bruised arm in his first race fall.
Denis O'Regan also hopes to be alright for Thurles after a spill from Purest Gem. Denis Hogan may have broken his right collar bone off Glenmore Boy in the h'cap chase.
