J P McManus had a one two three in the John Mulholland Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle when Mon Lino led them home in the penultimate race at Galway for trainer Paul Nolan and jockey Donie McInerney.

A 17th winner of the season for McInerney, the talented youngster now has two left on his seven pound claim, and he got Mon Lino home by half a length and six lengths from Persistent and Auvergnat

"He is a nice progressive horse and has nice battling qualities. He is a nicely bred horse and is from the family of Don Poli," explained Nolan.

"He has his own way of jumping and young McInerney gave him a lovely ride. There's no doubt his 7lbs claim looked to be the winning of it and it was his first ride for me.

"This horse has grown an inch, is still only five, and will go chasing this time next year."

McManus also took the first at Wexford with the Joseph O'Brien-trained, Mark Walsh-ridden Early Doors

P.A. Gallagher, rider of Fluspar trained by Daniel John Howard, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

Subsequently Fluspar was examined by the Turf Club Vveterinary Officer at the request of the Stewards, who reported that the animal was found to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

(TW & EM)