Davy Russell stole the show on a miserable evening at Kilbeggan recording a treble which took his tally for the season to 18 - four clear of Ruby Walsh. The three timer was instigated when restricted licence holder John Hanlon, who has made a terrific start to his training career, saddled 13/8 shot Melon Delta to land the opener. The Good Thyne gelding made virtually all the running to complete a double across both cards for Hanlon as he also saddled the first at Tramore with Shaimaa.
A delighted Hanlon said, 'That was a great week, my wife Rachael had a baby boy on Monday and today's double is after topping the week off. I was little worried about his jumping before hand but he jumped well and I knew he would stay. We will go for a winners of one next.'
The second of the treble came aboard Piltown in the Coola Handicap Hurdle over two-miles. The Joe Crowley trained four year old was always prominent and hit the front two out on the way to a one length victory from Inca Wood in second. Piltown was showing his likeness to all ground winning here on good ground having won previously on soft to heavy at Punchestown.
While in the Beginners Chase Russell was aboard 9/2 second favourite Corrieann for trainer Pat Doyle and it was here the Cork jockey completed his treble. It was the fourth time the Anshan filly passed the judge in front and having raced in mid division throughout she took it up in the hands of Irelands current leading rider two from home on the way to a four and a half length success.
Indeed it could have been four for Russell had his mount Oscar Night not fallen at the second last flight in the Bloomfield House Hotel Hurdle. The pair looked to be travelling the best in the field before exiting but in turn the fall benefited Far More Serious and David Casey who battled on gamely to score by a length from Catskill. The latter was finishing second for the fourth consecutive time.
Oscar Glory and Dennis Hogan teamed up to land the Martinstown Opportunity Hurdle for Edward Cawley. The winner tracked 5/1 favourite Eight Fifty Six thorough before taking up the running with a circuit to run. Trevi Mountain came challenging strongly but the winner held on by a length to give valuable claimer Hogan his twenty fourth career winner.
Denis O Regan continued his good run of form when landing the richest race on the card, the penultimate handicap chase. Well supported Manilou (11/2-9/2) trained by Eoin Griffin got up by a short head in the final stride to score from long time leader Sum Leader.
By Niall Cronin
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