The introduction of the euro proved relatively smooth for racegoers at the seaside venue, where Aintree Grand National possible Super Franky took the featured T J Carroll Chase.
Francis Hyland, the Chairman of the Irish National Bookmakers Association, summed up the situation in the betting ring saying, 'There are alot of smaller bets in euro, but the big punters are still dealing in punts. I would say it will be at least Saturday before the euro really takes over on the racecourse.'
The Tote were only handling euro at the windows but, together with the Bank Of Ireland, provided a conversion service for punters at a number of points throughout the course.
Super Franky was the main star on the track, although Charles Byrnes' charge struggled to justify favouritism despite meeting his four rivals on significantly better than handicap terms. The nine-year-old gelding made all under Philip O'Brien, but only just held the late effort of River Clodagh by half a length.
'He has been a great servant, and that is his tenth win. He is not that well handicapped over hurdles or fences now but his jumping is so good that the Grand National is definitely on the cards', said Limerick based Byrnes.
Peace Leader was the first winner to earn euro prizemoney when heading Enoughrose between the final two flights to take the opening David Flynn Construction Handicap Hurdle under Pat Crowley.
Crowley later doubled up when the locally trained Noble Buck just held off Perugino Lady in the James F Wallace & Co Chartered Accountants Maiden Hurdle.
Marcus Du Berlais led two out under Barry Cash in the Kent Brothers Maiden Hurdle, and kept on well to beat Poc Fada by a length. 'He is a nice staying horse who will go handicapping now, and make a chaser in time', said trainer Arthur Moore.
Alan Magee
