Monaghan trainer Oliver Brady celebrated in typically exuberant style after sending out Ansari to land the featured Powers Gold Label Handicap Hurdle in front of a modest crowd at Gowran Park.
The Aga Khan-bred gelding travelled strongly to lead before two out in this #25,000 event, and kept on well under Joey Elliott to beat Ellenjay by three lengths. 'I bought him for 9,000 guineas at Newmarket, and he has now won four times this year. He acts on all types of ground, and may go for a Flat handicap at Navan next Wednesday', said Brady.
John Kiely saddled a double in the two chases on the card, with Hot Stuff providing Barry Geraghty with his first winner since returning from a broken collarbone this week. Hot Stuff led two out to beat Penny Native by three and a half lengths in the Foleys Of Borris Beginners Chase, while Sparkling Gold earlier headed Ceannairceach close home to take the W & H Steel & Roofing Systems Handicap Chase.
Tadhg O'Shea strengthened his claims to be champion apprentice this season by moving four clear at the top of the table when Zaraglen landed division two of the Nolan Ryan Partnership Maiden. The Michael Halford-trained filly, runner-up in the Birdcatcher nursery at Naas last autumn, was produced with a well-timed challenge to lead inside the final furlong for a length and a half success over Triple Try.
Cruiskeen Lawn also gained a deserved win in division one, stretching clear over a furlong out under Pat Shanahan to beat newcomer Beauty by two and a half lengths.
Following the reversal of fancied newcomers from the John Oxx stable in the opening two races, the Currabeg yard was on the mark with juvenile Barring Order in the EBF Maiden. The Barathea half-sister to Beckett was ridden up with the pace in this mile event, and kept on gamely under pressure for John Murtagh to hold favourite Temple Of Artemis by a length.
Alan Magee
