Paul Carberry is now seven ahead of Ruby Walsh in the National Hunt jockeys championship after teaming up with Noel Meade to take the opening two hurdle races in glorious sunshine at the north-western venue yesterday.
Midnight Lover was friendless in the betting ring (5/4 to 4/1) before the Strandhill Maiden Hurdle but belied the lack of confidence when heading Minister`s Cross at the final flight for a comfortable four and a half length success. ' I can`t understand how she was 4/1 as her best form is on soft ground. She will probably revert to the Flat for her next run,' said Meade.
Punters latched onto Rhapsody Gale in the following Martin Reilly Motors BMW Rated Hurdle, and the well supported 6/4 favourite was driven past Twilight Buck on the run-in to put Carberry on the 24 winner mark for the season. 'He will go chasing soon but will be rested over the winter,' said the Navan trainer of the six-year-old which carries the Moscow Express colours of John Corr.
Meade later completed a treble on the day when Michael Mor took the bumper in runaway fashion under Davy Russell.
The jackpot pool of #2,424 was not won, and is carried forward to the next meeting here on August 29, following the 20/1 victory of Daisy Dancer in the six furlong Moat Handicap. The five-year-old led inside the final furlong under Tom Queally to beat Polish Legion by two lengths.
Polish Legion`s rider Declan McDonogh, successful earlier in the two-year-old claimer with Chiomara, was given a five day suspension (August 19-23) for careless riding after Bens Secret and Windy Project were checked soon after the start.
