Sharper Swordplay conquers Castle
Ruby Walsh made his move on well-backed Warrens Castle after the third last, as he attempted to draw the sting from his rival.
But Swordplay buckled down in admirable style and the pair were in the air together over the final fence. On the flat, however, Swordplay surged ahead to score by three parts of a length.
It was a super riding performance by amateur, Denis Cullen, who doubles as assistant trainer to O’Brien.
Said Cullen: “He is dynamite over fences. There are plenty races coming up and he will be out again in the near future.”
Philip Carberry gave Noel’s Luck a smashing drive to land the Bank Of Ireland Maiden Hurdle.
The winner had an amount to do early on the final circuit as Barry Geraghty and Fire Queen made the best of their way home.
But Carberry timed his challenge to perfection, joined issue over the last and Noel’s Luck soon drew clear on the level.
Carberry was again seen to advantage when conjuring a fine late spurt from John Carr’s Stutter in the 12 furlongs Tote Exacta Handicap.
Carrigavantry, ahead at half way, looked sure to win entering the final furlong. But Stutter swept through to score going away by a cosy length and a half.
Ruby Walsh made no mistake on Willie Mullins’ One Night Out in the Killone Estates Handicap ’Chase.
The odds-on top weight had to be rousted along to tackle front-running Autumn Mist two out, but once at the other side of the obstacle the outcome was inevitable.
Walsh was quite brilliant on former Cheltenham Festival Bumper winner, Liberman, in the Queally Group Maiden.
He landed that bumper for the Martin Pipe yard, but was back here carrying the colours of former owner, Pat O’Donovan.
The Corkman, of course, enjoyed his greatest day when Vintage Tipple, and Frankie Dettori, took the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
Liberman, now with Tom Mullins, was produced with impeccable timing by Walsh to cut down long-timer leader, Moydrum Castle, close home.
Commented Mullins: “Ruby says there’s loads of improvement in him. I would think his next run will be over hurdles.”
Tom Hogan enjoyed a fine Festival and he was on the mark again when Rooftop Protest, successful previously at Killarney and Galway, did the business in the Waterford Crystal Noel M Griffin Memorial Handicap.
He got a superb drive from David Casey, who eased him to the front approaching the home turn to beat Ballintry Guest with a bit in hand.
A fair gamble went astray on the Pat Hughes trained Monologue. Taken from 9-4 to 6-4, he struggled in a well beaten fourth.
Invicta, given an enterprising drive by Paul Scallan and always on the pace, shot away off the turn in to grab the Grand Hotel Rated Race by half a length from a fast finishing Padre Nostro.
