Star Service appreciated the fast ground when returning to form in the featured €40,000 Dawn Milk Handicap Chase for Ted and Ruby Walsh at Listowel today.
The 9-y-o gelding travelled smoothly to lead off the home bend and, despite nodding on landing after the last, kept on well to beat Rockholm Boy by 1 1/2L.
'He had a chance on his best form, and seems to like left-handed tracks,' said Walsh senior.
He added, 'He`s a good jumper and was entered in the Topham at Aintree but we decided to come here instead. He may go to Killarney next month.'
Nostradamus made a winning debut in the opening 1m maiden, leading at the furlong pole for Michael Kinane to beat Martin Gunne by a cosy 2 1/2L.
'He was held up last year after pulling muscles, and the plan now is to step him up to Listed class,' reported trainer Aidan O`Brien afterwards by telephone.
Leinster Mills may head for a fillies handicap at Navan next Saturday after leading over a furlong out under Fran Berry to beat Milton Star by 1/2L in the 3yo handicap.
'The 7f trip was a bit short for her at the Curragh last time, and she should be suited by nine furlongs at Navan,' said trainer Pat Hughes.
Colm O`Donoghue was taken to Tralee General Hospital for x-rays on his neck, skull and collarbone after being unseated from Bothar Rua early on in this race.
David Moran (19), from Templemore, partnered his second winner aboard Askthejudge in the apprentice maiden, getting a nice run up the inner to lead inside the final furlong.
'The ground was a bit fast, and he probably wants a bit further. He`s a fine big horse, and should make a good juvenile hurdler,' said Curragh trainer Frank Ennis.
Business Elite struck the front over a furlong out for Pat Cosgrave to land the 0-80 handicap, while Trimaclana led virtually on the line in a three-way photo-finish to the handicap hurdle.
John O`Meara had his claim reduced to 3lb after Arctic Gold made virtually all in the bumper, and held on under pressure by a neck from Derreen Boy.
