Perugino Diamond, winner of the Galway Hurdle earlier this month, successfully reverted to the Flat to land the featured Noel M Griffin Memorial Q.R. Handicap as the four-day Tramore Festival meeting drew to a close yesterday afternoon.
The four-year-old gelding was driven to the front over a furlong out by Pat Colville, and was eased down in the closing stages to beat Aboriginal by a comfortable four and a half lengths.
'Galway took nothing out of him, and he will be aimed at the Guinness Gold Cup at Tralee next Wednesday,' said permit-holder Seamus O`Farrell.
Barry Geraghty completed a 21 1/2 to 1 double when partnering the opening two maiden hurdle winners, Sockittothem and Kate Emily. Sockittothem headed hot-pot Neutron on the run-in for a head success in the Frank Gillane Memorial 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle, while Kate Emily cruised to the front in the dip for a cosy two and a half length win over Celtic Project in the McDonald Bros Maiden Hurdle.
Geraghty`s brother Ross had his claim reduced from 7lb to 5lb after gaining his 15th career win aboard Minister`s Cross in the Kiely Gaule Handicap Hurdle. The eight-year-old is the only horse in training with permit-holder Stephen Cox, and is likely to be sent chasing soon.
Eddie Ahern was left red-faced after Sharavogue Cookie was headed in the final stride by Mutakarrim in the Commercial Refrigeration Maiden. The Charlie Swan-trained filly held a clear advantage throughout but was caught on the line with Ahern, riding out with hands and heels, apparently not sencing the danger.
