Noel Meade dominated the afternoon at Navan's all National Hunt meeting when saddling four winners, although Timmy Murphy was in the wars when fracturing his left collar-bone.
The drama occurred at the final hurdle in the opening Scanlons Of Kilberry Hurdle when Murphy's mount Room To Room Gold fell when holding a narrow lead and looking the likely winner. Native Commander was brought down by the faller, and Murphy appeared to be kicked by that gelding.
More Rainbows took full advantage of the incident to initiate Meade's four-timer, sprinting clear in the closing stages under Paul Carberry to beat long-time leader Supreme Developer by six lengths. 'He loves that fast ground, and we may aim him at the Galway Hurdle if conditions are right,' said Meade.
Meade and Carberry struck again in the featured Joe Norris Motors Handicap Hurdle when Billy Bonnie readily landed the three miles stamina test. The seven-year-old was sent on early in the straight, and kept on strongly to beat Le-Monde by four and a half lengths. 'We put blinkers on today and they seem to have woken him up. He ran a great race at Royal Ascot two years ago (beaten two lengths when fifth to Riyadh in the Ascot Stakes), and we may go there again,' said Meade.
Carberry completed his treble on Lance in the Fundraiser Maiden Hurdle, with the heavily-backed 9/10 favourite leading after three out and driven out to beat Regatta Point by five lengths. 'He's a half brother to Kingsmark, and stays really well. I couldn't believe how bad he jumped at Kilbeggan last time as he was schooling well at home, although he preferred this galloping track,' said Meade.
Meade went one better in the bumper when Laurel View, also well-backed from 7/2 down to 11/4, was confidently ridden by Niall Madden to beat Hint Of Gold by five lengths.
Former champion amateur Alan Crowe partnered his first winner since turning professional a fortnight ago aboard Saor Theas in the Navan Handicap Chase. 'Alan gave him a lovely ride, and he may go to the sales at Doncaster later this month,' said owner J P McManus' racing manager Frank Berry.
The defection of both Hobart Frisbey (ground) and Leading The Way (temperature) left just two runners in the Laurence McLoughlin Builders Beginners Chase, and Cooldine Prince came home alone after Atlantic Rhapsody fell two out when tracking his only rival. 'He was poor at jumping hurdles but has been brilliant schooling over fences at home. The plan was to pop him around and then race from the home turn. He will go next for a two miles novice chase at Punchestown on May 28,' said trainer Dusty Sheehy.
Lord Grey made all under David Casey in the Supermarket Handicap Hurdle, quickening clear after three out to beat Dbest by four lengths. 'This is his ground, and he was able to dictate things with no other front-runner in the race. He'll mix it between hurdles and fences over the summer,' said trainer Dermot Kelly.
Alan Magee
