Hedgehunter, thrilled many of the 9,000 crowd at Gowran who had helped send him off marginal favourite, when jumping brilliantly throughout to take the featured Goulding Thyestes Handicap Chase.
David Casey allowed his mount stride to the front after the second fence and in truth Willie Mullins charge looked a winner for most, although Ivehadit briefly looked dangerous before the straight.
Both successful in this event in the past, Casey and Mullins exclaimed delight in the aftermath. Casey reasoned that given how well the horse jumps, it was a good idea to be in front.
For Mullins thoughts turned to the Grand National for which the 7yo has received a general 16/1 quote. The Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding could now head to Aintree without another run.
Mullins said hopefully hell get in at Liverpool with a nice weight. Hes a light framed horse so it might make sense to go straight there but Ill have to discuss it with Mr Hemmings first.
Mullins and Casey doubled their score in the next event with Boneyarrow. Similar tactics proved just as effective here, but the second fav had to show a lot of courage to prevail by a length.
The Carlow handler commented he loves that ground and David gave him a great ride. He had to have 3 months box rest after a horrible fall over a year ago and its nice to see him back.
Noel Meade, without a winner since before Christmas, returned to form after a bout of sickness afflicted his yard, when Rosaker landed the odds in the Grade 3 Galmoy Stayers Hurdle.
The clear pick on official figures, Paul Carberrys mount didnt have to exert himself to any great degree to justify his rating. Next stop for the Stayers Hurdle hope will be the Boyne Hurdle.
Despite Three Mirrors putting up a fairly impressive all-the-way victory in the opening 4yo maiden hurdle, his trainer Tony Mullins doesnt envisage him as a Cheltenham contender.
The local handler said he is rapidly improving and I hope he continues to do so. However he has to learn to settle better and a winners of one at Thurles will be next on the agenda.
Those who invested in a gamble on Watts Hill (4s to 9/4) in the h'cap hurdle, were entitled to feel a little hard done by, as Pat Hughes mare finished fast to lose out by a short head and subsequently returned lame.
Kilbeggan Lad, the winner here, benefited from an excellent Timmy Murphy ride in overcoming plenty of traffic problems. Michael Hourigan now plans to aim his 5yo at another hcap.
A punt later in the day, on John Joe Walshs Rockspring Hero (9/2 to 100/30) for the hcap chase did pay dividends. The favourite raced to a convincing 2L victory in the hands of John Cullen.
Favourite backers went home happy when Another Native just came out best in a driving finish to the finale.
