Ruby Walsh took the riding honours with a near 14/1 double at the south-eastern venue, highlighted by a dashing ride aboard The Dell in the featured Jimmy Griffin Memorial Handicap Chase.
The reigning champion seized the initiative when sending the Frances Crowley-trained gelding to the front in the dip, and poached a decisive advantage before holding off Camden West by a length.
Walsh earlier teamed up with his father Ted to take the www.tramore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle with Micksie Palmer. The well-backed 11/10 favourite was always travelling strongly, and was driven clear after two out to beat Gaily Bay Jack by nine lengths.
Jessica Harrington's stable has enjoyed a return to form in recent weeks, and Elliptic gave the Co. Kildare handler a further boost when staying on best on the run-in to take the EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle. 'Barry (Geraghty) said she hated the tight track but her jumping was really good,' said Harrington, who saddles Moscow Flyer (Arkle) and Soltero (Supreme Novices) at next week's Cheltenham Festival.
Favourite backers were also on the mark in the Three Shippes Handicap Hurdle where top-weight Roman Native stretched clear approaching the final flight to beat Shandy Girl by five-and-a-half-lengths. 'She missed a year with leg trouble, but is a nice mare and the owner (long-time patron Bruno Buser) is being rewarded for his patience,' said trainer John Kiely.
Erin Go Brea built up a big lead in the Graun Hill Opportunity Handicap Chase, but was reeled in by the Larry Hurley-ridden Ballinarrid between the final two fences. 'He really needs good ground, and will now head for Wexford on St Patrick's weekend,' said successful trainer Paul Roche, whose wife Julie gave birth to their first child last week.
Alan Magee
