Paul Carberry looks sure to retain his National Hunt jockey's championship, and he moved onto the 93 winner mark for the campaign when teaming up with Noel Meade for a short-priced double on Hardrada and Kings Orchard.
The Meathman was seen at his strongest aboard Hardrada in the juvenile maiden hurdle, driving the former Roger Charlton-trained gelding past Karju in the final strides. 'I thought he was beaten,' was Meade's instant reaction on hearing the result of the photo-finish before adding, 'I've been a bit disappointed with him, but he may need a bit further.'
Carberry had a much easier time on Kings Orchard in the two and a half miles maiden hurdle, prominent throughout and quickly settling the issue off the home turn to beat Windsor Boy by a comfortable six lengths. 'He didn't handle the testing ground at Navan in December and, although I thought he may just need the run today, he's probably a better horse fresh. He's from a good chasing family, and should do well over fences in time,' said Meade.
Carberry is 15 clear of Barry Geraghty who was also on the mark later in the afternoon aboard Carneys Cross in the three miles winners hurdle. 'He's a tough sort, who stays and jumps well,' said trainer Sean Treacy after his charge got the better of a protracted struggle with Kymandjen by two lengths.
Calling Classy, who provided Cork permit-holder Denis Ahern with his first winner at Clonmel last week, followed up in the mares novice hurdle. Garrett Cotter always had her close to the pace, and she stayed on strongly in the straight to beat Paddys Girl by two lengths. The 4/6 favourite Safe Route could make no impression approaching the home turn, but kept on in the closing stages to finish a further two lengths adrift in third.
Joseph Vernet was led back into the winner's enclosure by his owner, the former British-based trainer Val Ward, after landing the two and a half miles handicap hurdle in the hands of John Cullen, leading two out to beat Bodakker by five lengths. 'He gallops away like a staying chaser, and we will probably step him up to three miles next time. He's a progressive sort, and jumps a fence better than a hurdle,' said trainer Paul Nolan.
Alan Magee
