Two of the countries leading riders dominated proceedings at Punchestown last evening as Paul Carberry and Ruby Walsh both got their names on the scoresheet twice.
Fresh from a double at Tipperary the previous day, Carberry repeated the feat here, the brace being completed when he teamed up with Michael Hourigan to capture the two and a half mile hurdle.
Riding 5/1 shot Knocknabrogue in a race that featured 9/2 co favourites of three, the mare found plenty on the run in for a two length success. Hourigan described the six-year-old as 'light-framed and suited by the ground.'
Well-backed favourite, Top Ben (9/4 to 6/4), looked to have it do entering the straight in the two and a half mile maiden hurdle but showing plenty of staying power Carberry's mount prevailed by three parts of a length.
Noel Meade said of his winner, 'he loves fast ground and stays real well. As long as he stays sound he'll keep going during the coming months.'
Ruby Walsh was also in double form, partnering a short priced two-timer for his boss Willie Mullins. One Night Out had only one serious market-rival for the conditions chase and so the race panned out.
Ballynattin Buck went into a clear lead from the outset but his rider, the hat-trick seeking Paul Carberry was hindered by a slipped saddle from halfway down the back straight.
One Night Out, the 8/11 market-leader took that ones measure away from two out, but he himself then had to survive very nearly falling at the last before getting going again for a two and a half length victory.
Despite a major scare when hampered by a faller at the eighth, 9/10 favourite, Warrens Castle and Walsh proved much too classy for his rivals in the beginners chase, crossing the line three and a half lengths in front of Osiris.
Ahead of today's Guineas bid by Grey Swallow, Dermot Weld was on hand to see Nayodabayo, the first horse he's had for high profile owner Terry Ramsden, get the better of favourite, Gold Blended by a head in a driving finish to the four-year-old maiden hurdle.
Racing concluded when Ger Hourigan's once previously raced Rogues Gallery came home two lengths in front in the bumper under Paul Tobin.
