Real Steel and Brian O'Connell© Photo Healy Racing
Philip Fenton ended a difficult week on a high when Real Steel led just about all the way to take the Paddy Power Shops Better Value Novice Hurdle at Naas.
Ridden by Brian O'Connell in the Gigginstown House Stud colours, the 7-1 shot pulled out plenty when the opposition queued up behind, and beat favourite Vicky De L'Oasis by three and a quarter lengths to take Grade Two honours.
The trainer has been in the headlines recently after being charged with possessing unlicensed substances, including anabolic steroids, following a visit to his yard by the Department Of Agriculture two years ago. A court case has been adjourned to next month.< Mozoltov faced two inferior opponents in the Woodlands Park 100 Club Nas Na Riogh Novice Chase and took the opportunity to parade his talents in the Grade Two contest after giving supporters a real scare at the first fence.
Bryan Cooper wasn't taking any chances thereafter and Willie Mullins' eight-year-old (2-13 favourite) jumped round on his own, stretching well clear before coasting in 35 lengths ahead of Folsom Blue
Only three turned out for the card's third Grade Two event, the Paddy Power Your Local Betting Shop Chase, but this looked a better contest and it went to last season's winner Days Hotel
Andrew Lynch always held at least a share of the lead on Henry de Bromhead's charge and when odds-on favourite Twinlight faded away tamely, the 4-1 shot did enough to hold off Toner D'Oudairies winning by five and a half lengths.< Golantilla returned to action as 4-6 favourite for the bumper, but he was no match for the Mullins-trained Killultagh Vic (2-1), who stormed clear from the front to win by 16 lengths under the handler's son Patrick.
Kevin Prendergast sent out a rare jumps winner when Katie T (5-1) pounced late in the Paddy Power Cash Card Maiden Hurdle, while Tony McCoy needed all his strength to land the Best Odds In Your Paddy Power Shop Handicap Hurdle on 7-4 favourite Getoutwhenyoucan
