Wouldn't You Agree was the star attraction on a low key National Hunt card, and the Christy Roche-trained gelding didn't let his supporters down when making an impressive debut over fences in the beginners chase.
The seven-year-old put in a sound jumping display, and led approaching three out under Conor O'Dwyer for an easy length and a half win over Le-Monde. 'He did it nicely, and loves summer ground,' said owner J P McManus' racing manager Frank Berry, who confirmed the gelding will be kept on the go in the coming months.
Paddy Flood, 17, from the Curragh, partnered his first winner when Ballygowan Beauty caused a 20/1 shock in the two and a half miles handicap hurdle. Tom Walker's charge led three out, and rallied on the run-in under a strong drive from Flood to touch off Back To Gales by a short-head. Gary Hutchinson was given a three day suspension (June 12-14) for using his whip with excessive frequency on the runner-up.
Adrian O'Shea, out of action for two year's after a catalogue of misfortune including breaking his left leg on four separate occasions, made a welcome return to the winners enclosure when Bid Me Again made all in the two miles handicap hurdle. Another 20/1 victor, the nine-year-old gelding kept on well under pressure in the straight to beat Multeen Gunner by three quarters of a length.
John Allen recorded his second winner when Roxelly led after three out and held off Mrs Avery by three quarters of a length in the mares maiden hurdle. 'That's the first time she got good ground, and we'll probably wait now and go to Galway for a winners race,' said trainer Sean O'Brien.
Classy Dancer, supported from 33/1 to 16/1 in the maiden hurdle, came from off the pace under Garrett Cotter to join favourite Mount Kimble at the home turn before seizing the initiative with a good leap at the last to score by two lengths.
Central Billing benefitted from a powerful ride by Timmy Murphy to complete a hat-trick in the handicap chase, heading Give Me Style in the closing stages for a half length verdict. 'He's been a good servant winning three point-to-points and three on the track, and he may go for the Midlands National at Kilbeggan next month,' said trainer Michael Hourigan.
Paul Carberry will be out of action for a few days after a recurrence of the leg problem he suffered following a fall at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting. 'The haematoma on my leg burst again last night and its pretty sore. It needs a few days rest, and hopefully I'll be back at the weekend,' said the champion jump jockey.
Alan Magee
