On a very miserable day weather-wise at Tramore, punters came out best in their battle with the bookmakers. Five of the seven races saw the horse at the head of the market do what was expected of them.
Just going off favourite in a tight betting heat for the opening novice hurdle, Exile justified his position in the 'ring' by showing plenty of courage to shake off the challenge of Lorenzetti out of the dip.
Local rider and man in-form Ian Power was employed to do the steering on Andrew Lee's runner and the successful handler expressed his delight in the aftermath. The Cork trainer said 'he's a game little horse who takes his racing well and he could do well in competitive handicaps off low weights as he appreciates a strong pace.'
Nine placings, seven times second have paid Celestial Light's keep over her eighteen-race career. In spite of looking an eternal bridesmaid she went of 9/10 to finally triumph in the mares maiden hurdle.
No one could have given her any chance going down the back straight, but finding another gear up the hill away from two out, Paddy Flood's mount came home full of running for a four length win.
It didn't get any better for bookmakers as the afternoon wore on, Sixtino following up a recent Thurles success in the handicap hurdle. A morning price gamble on that occasion, the grey this time went off a solid 4/6 shot.
Though not travelling with the ease that might be expected of such a short odds favourite, the German import went into overdrive up the hill for a convincing three length win. Andrew Leigh was partnering his fourth winner here, this being his third for Gerry Cully. A return trip to Thurles next Tuesday is now on the cards.
After an excellent effort in better company when fourth last time, Snapper Creek was expected to do the business as 9/4 market leader for the two mile four maiden hurdle. Continuing the run of favourites, the seven-year-old made all under Gary Hutchinson, going clear on the run in to dispense of the well-backed, Supreme Madam.
Winning trainer, John Berry described the son of Castle Keep as an 'unlucky horse' and suggested that chasing will eventually be his game, after possibly picking up another hurdle beforehand.
Despite drifting to 5/4 from odds-on, Best Away made it five from five for supporters of the 'jolly' in the lady riders bumper. Luisa Williams brought Tom Hogan's filly from last to first for a length and a half win.
Runaway Jake pulled up at Down Royal on St Stephens Day, but the Philip Rothwell-trained 4/1 shot came back to his best in the handicap chase. A Steward's enquiry accepted the explanation of a stable representative who said that the horse had run too freely in the North and hadn't got home.
Tom Treacy got a good leap out of seven-year-old at the last to seal a two and a half length victory over Give Me Style who could only keep going at the same pace.
Intercounty recorded his second win at the course, making all in the closing beginners chase for Aoife Kent and Larry Hurley.
