Garrett Cotter took the riding honours on the concluding day of the Limerick Christmas meeting when partnered a 32/1 double aboard the Edward O'Grady-trained pair Polar Vista and Wright.
Polar Vista was driven clear before the last to beat 11/10 favourite Just In Debt by six lengths in the McMahon Excavations Maiden Hurdle, while Wright proved a facile winner of the Tote Exacta Handicap Hurdle.
Cotter could afford to take a number of looks over his shoulder in the straight as Wright cruised home for a 14 lengths victory over Homestead. O'Grady's assistant Michael Murphy said, 'Polar Vista would definitely prefer better ground, but Wright loves the soft and came on quite a bit from his last run at Navan.'
The Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 13 could be next on the agenda for Wild Romance, who got up in the final 50 yards to deny Theseus by three quarters of a length in the Woodlands House Hotel Hurdle. Royal Plaisir held every chance when falling in front two out, and rider Barry Cash was stood down for 24 hours.
Joyful River is also likely to be seen out next on the same Leopardstown card after scoring for the second time here this week in the R T Communications Handicap Chase. 'He goes next for the Pierse Leopardstown Handicap Chase', said trainer Michael Hourigan.
Bob's Gone took a walk in the market (7/4 to 3/1) for the opening Corcorans Food Equipment 3YO Maiden Hurdle, but he belied the lack of confidence when rallying before the last for Sean McDermott to beat Yukon by two lengths.
Alan Magee
