Stage Affair opened his account over fences with a convincing display under David Casey in the Cill Dara Security Services Beginners Chase. The nine-year-old gelding made smooth headway to join the leading group four out where favourite In The Forge and Poetry Man both fell, and quickened clear between the final two fences to beat Goss by 11 lengths.
'He ran well on the Flat at the Curragh last Sunday, and will go back there for a handicap on Derby weekend before a winners' chase at the Galway Festival. David gave him a lovely ride filling him with confidence,' said trainer Dermot Weld.
Casey was completing a quick double having partnered Osiris half-an-hour earlier to land the two mile handicap hurdle, leading two out and keeping on well under pressure to beat Black Church Lad by two and a half lengths.
Glynn Dingle completed a hat-trick in the Dillon Plant Hire Handicap Chase, striking the front two out for Ruby Walsh to beat Paddy The Duke by three and a half lengths.
Davy Russell had Rediscovery up with the pace throughout in the maiden hurdle, rallying on the run-in to overcome Swordlestown by three quarters of a length. The four-year-old gelding is owned by the five member Sanguine Syndicate, which includes former Irish soccer international Niall Quinn. 'He doesn't do that much at home, and blew up last time at Navan. He was bought out of John Gosden's stable last year, and we may sell him on in August,' said trainer Michael O'Brien.
Ross Geraghty was stood down until Saturday with a bruised pelvis after Woodboro Minstrel exited at the first, while Russell gave up a number of rides later on after feeling weak due to wasting.
Sam Curling had his claim reduced to 5lb after recording his 15th success aboard Aine Dubh following an exciting finish to the two and a half mile winners' hurdle. The six-year-old mare finished best on the stands side to beat Goldstreet and Banasan by three quarters of a length and a short-head, and permit holder Kevin O'Donnell will switch her to the Flat at his local Gowran Park track next month.
Mirpour was patiently ridden by Barry Geraghty in the Stephen Grainger Haulage Novice Hurdle, overcoming a blunder at the last to beat Russian Comrade by two and a half lengths. 'He's been a frustrating type but hopefully can go on and win again from here. He will mix it over the summer, and may go for the Charles Hurst Ulster Derby at Down Royal on June 21,' said trainer Eoin Griffin.
'He could be very special' was trainer Tony Mullins' verdict after Shannon Leader made a winning debut under Pa Murphy in the bumper. 'He was ready to run three months ago but little things went wrong. He's out to grass in the morning, and will go novice hurdling next winter. You'll see a much better horse then,' added Mullins.
Alan Magee
