Vettriano, trained by Charles O'Brien for the Painestown Syndicate, a group of golfing enthusiasts, showed all the right qualities when leading inside the final furlong to deny the front-running Triton Dance by one and a half lengths in the opening Stars Of Tomorrow European Breeders Fund Maiden at Tipperary yesterday.
Fran Berry rode Vettriano and he later went on to complete a brace when Jessica Harrington's recent Clonmel hurdle winner Mr Wong captured the 1560 111 111 Raceline Maiden.
The Kevin Prendergast-trained Jakarta Jade, running in the familiar Lady O'Reilly colours, showed nice battling qualities to repel Kiteflyer with Declan McDonogh in the Ballykisteen European Breeders Fund Maiden whilst Barry Cash piloted his initial winner for his sister-in-law Irene Oakes when Avoir Du Cran showed a clean pair of heels to his rivals in the Stakelum Office Supplies 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle.
Trainer Pat Martin has been experiencing a fine run of late and the Co. Meath-domciled handler confessed to being surprised following Monalee Lass' facile success under Timmy Houlihan in the first division of the Stone Thrower Handicap.
The second division of this contest yielded a first success for Philip Rothwell at the course when 25/1 shot Trigolden landed the spoils with Sean Cleary and the forthcoming Listowel festival will now feature on the four-year-old's itinerary.
The Willie Mullins-trained Macs Valley will also be travelling to the popular north Kerry meeting following his hard-fought triumph with Ruby Walsh in the William Fry Solicitors Novice Hurdle whilst Dariole defied top-weight with Adrian Lane in the closing Sponsor A Race AtTipperary Handicap Hurdle.
