Paul Carberry extended his lead at the head of the National Hunt jockeys table when recording a double aboard the Noel Meade-trained pair Khetaam and Woodys Deep Ocean in murky conditions at the Co. Kilkenny venue.
Khetaam was well supported for the opening four-year-old maiden hurdle, and the 5/4 favourite easily justified the confidence. Carberry, who has been out of action for the past few racing days after being kicked in the kidneys in a fall at Punchestown on Saturday, hardly moved a muscle on the run-in as Khetaam beat Pay It Forward by half a length.
'I've always thought he was a very good horse, and he's a lot stronger this season than last. He will probably go for something over Christmas,' said Meade.
Carberry moved onto the 63 winner mark for the campaign when Woodys Deep Ocean landed the odds in the novice hurdle, easing clear after the last to beat Moss Bawn by two lengths. 'He's always shown plenty at home and, after disappointing us a bit at Cork, has won well at Fairyhouse and again today. We will find a race for him at Christmas,' said Meade.
Carberry is now nine ahead of Barry Geraghty in the championship, with the latter also successful on the afternoon aboard the well-backed 6/4 favourite Colnel Rayburn in the two miles handicap hurdle. 'Barry said that he needs at least 2m4f, and he may go chasing now as he jumps a fence well,' said trainer Paul Nolan.
Stashedaway finally came good in the five-year-olds maiden hurdle, always prominent under Danny Howard and quickening clear before the last to beat Johnsboro Lad by five lengths.
Punters suffered a reverse in the other two and a half miles maiden hurdle, where Trevaisci (14/1) paid a massive e124.30 for a win on the Tote. Willie Slattery's mount travelled strongly throughout, cruising to the front three out and staying on strongly to readily account for the odds-on Mossy Green by two and a half lengths.
'He was very sick last year and nearly died. I thought he might not handle the ground, but he's got a turn of foot,' said surprised trainer John Joe Walsh.
The pony sized She'll Be Lucky led before the last under Ruby Walsh in the two and a quarter miles handicap hurdle, keeping on well to beat Intercounty by nine lengths. 'She's very small but very tough, and it took ages to break her in. Hopefully she can win another handicap,' said trainer Michael Hourigan.
Alan Magee
