Jockey Niall Madden warmed up for his ride on Numbersixvalverde in tomorrow's Grand National with a win on Khetaam in the featured Menapia Classic Mouldings Hurdle at Wexford today.
Khetaam, the well supported 4/9 favourite, had previously finished fifth, rated 130, in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, and, on paper, held a clear advantage on official ratings.
Madden settled the son of Machiavellian in fourth before moving through to lead before two out, eventually drawing clear for a seven length win over Arc En Ciel.
Jockey Mike Darcy and trainer Sean Treacy combined to land the Wexford Renault Maiden Hurdle with Coolgreaney.
Darcy was seen to good effect on the daughter of Bob Back, making all at a good pace, eventually proving nine lengths too good for runner-up Roman Villa.
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Afterwards, Treacy reported 'Coolgreaney was overdue a win and will now go for a Mares Listed Hurdle at Fairyhouse. She'll probably have a break after that.'
The opening Pinnacle Handicap Hurdle went to 20/1 outsider Royal Man, for trainer Charlie Swan and 7lb claiming jockey Denis Hogan.
The blinkered son of Garde Royale made all, and apart from a mistake at the sixth last, kept on well from two out to record a three and a half length win.
Wills Wilde scored for trainer Pat Fahy and jockey Adrian Lane in the Garryrichard Stud Beginners Chase.
The son of Oscar tracked the leaders but had gained a narrow advantage over Mr Cheetham when Barry Cash's mount took a heavy fall at the final fence, leaving Wills Wilde to win by a length and a half.
Jessica Harrington's Gemini Lucy arrived late to win on her handicap debut in the Richard Browne & Sons Ltd Novice Hurdle while Forest Leader landed the 2m3f handicap chase under David Evans.
