Review PUNCHESTOWN 4TH NOV

Michael Mor was triumphant in the featured Irish Field Chase, but the outcome may have been different had Sparkling Gold not crashed out at the second last.

Paul Carberry attempted to make all the running but was headed by Sparkling Gold just before two out. The pair collided mid-air, flooring PJ Crowley's mount, leaving Noel Meade's charge to claim the prize.

'She was fortunate, but that's two nice prizes in a week,' said Meade. 'I think 2 1/2 miles is far enough, and possibly next time we might hold him up, but we'll give him a break for the time being.'

Meade and Carberry had earlier teamed up to claim the opening novice hurdle with Woodys Blue Lagoon. The 11/10 favourite made all to complete a hat-trick of wins.

A jubilant Noel Meade remarked, 'He's probably better going left-handed, and I think the 2 1/2 mile Monksfield Hurdle at Navan in a fortnight will be next.'

Meade complete a treble when Woodys Deep Ocean stayed on resolutely from Aine Dubh and Leos Shuil in the concluding Dick Grainger Memorial Bumper.

French import Goss (2/1f) really turned on the style under Tom Rudd, impressively winning the Narraghmore Maiden Hurdle by 5L from Hedgehunter, and Cashmans immediately quoted him at 25/1 for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham next year.

The JP McManus-owned gelding was always travelling well, and winning handler Michael O'Brien said, 'We've no plans for him yet. He kept getting ballotted out, but the run at Thurles relaxed him. He has rakes of pace and he's a good jumper too.'

Chermesina, victorious at Thurles last week, easily accounted for her rivals in the Watchouse Cross Handicap Hurdle under the highly rated Jimmy Mansell, scoring by 7L from Corehill Countess.

Trainer Timothy Doyle, recording his 15th winner under both codes since the Foot and Mouth ban, said afterwards, 'She surprised me! The ground was in her favour today, but I didn't think she was good enough.'

Outsider Fata Albertina (14/1) caused an upset in the Yellow Bins Handicap beating Say Again by 1 1/2 lengths, and providing permit holder William Sheehy with his first winner at Punchestown.

The Gorey-based trainer remarked, 'I'm very surprised. She got stuck in the muck at Galway last week, but the ground here suited her just fine. I'll keep running her as long as the ground doesn't get any softer.'

Adrian Maguire was seen at his best to score with Wilton Bridge in a thrilling finish in the Ballymore Oil Handicap Chase, denying Be Home Early by 1/2L.