Wouldn’t You Agree full of promise for JP
The strapping son of Toulon won twice at Galway - he didn’t have much to beat on either occasion - but made this minor step up in class with real aplomb.
Confidently handled by Paul Moloney, Wouldn’t You Agree made every yard of the running.
Jumping crisply and accurately, he was clear before the straight and was eased right down in the closing stages.
Said Roche: “He’s a grand horse and will jump a fence one day.
“He will get a break now, but the Royal Bond Hurdle (Fairyhouse) could be the long term plan.’’
Kariyadan, ridden by Paul Carberry for Noel Meade, was the business in the ring for the BP Contractors Killenaule Handicap Hurdle.
Backed from 3-1 to 9-4 favourite, he held every chance from the second last, but could only plug on for third spot.
Victory went to Paddy Mullins’ Kilcarrig House, splendidly ridden by Ruby Walsh to follow up the pair’s recent success at Tramore.
Golden Beacon made a brave attempt from the front, but Walsh produced the winner with impeccable timing to lead before the final flight.
Said Mullins: “The ground is proving a big help to this horse. He’s had two quick races and I don’t think he’ll go to Tralee.
“I won’t be wasting any time with him and as long as the ground stays like it is he might be sent over fences.’’
Walsh completed a double with a fine piece of riding on Tony Martin’s Saddler’s Bay in the second division of the Knockaney Beginners Chase.
Held up for much of the journey, Saddler’s Bay came through late to collar Laurel River, in front two out, close home to score cleverly by three parts of a length.
Paul Carberry also enjoyed a double, completing it on course specialist Lord Grey in the Sean Barrett Bloodstock Handicap Chase.
Celio, easy winner at Tramore previously, again tried to make all, but was headed going to the second last by Lord Grey and the issue was never in doubt from that point.
Said trainer, Dermot Kelly: “He had his ground, track and jockey today.
“He’s in over hurdles and fences at Tralee, so we will see.’’
Earlier in the day Carberry was seen at his brilliant best when grabbing the Munster Novice ’Chase on ex-pointer Vandante.
Carberry went for glory early on the final circuit, and though Super Fellow closed all the way to the line, there was still a short head between them where it matters.
His brother Philip was seen to real effect when taking the Golden Mile Handicap Hurdle on Jupiter Hollow.
Trained by his father, Tommy, Jupiter Hollow was in front off the home turn, but Adiysha was right on terms at the last.
But Adiysha was very slow over the flight and though rallying strongly on the level could never get back at the winner.
Carberry, however, was suspended for one day, having been found guilty of using his whip excessively.
Edward O’Grady’s Laurier Rose is a long way short of being a champion, but jumps for fun and it stood him in good stead on the way to winning the first division of the knockaney Beginners ’Chase.
He made all, in the hands of Barry Geraghty, and had the measure of Keppler, in second place at the time, when that one departed the scene at the last.
Willie Mullins’ Kelly’s Craft was all the rage in the market for the Bumper, 2-1 to 5-4, and duly did the business, after easing into the lead with over a furlong to go.
