Martin and Walsh double up
A little unlucky when fourth in the Midlands National here earlier this summer, Royal County Buck recorded his second course success of the season when capturing the Max Premium Irish Dogfood Handicap Chase but needed a strong ride from Walsh to earn the spoils.
Royal County Buck, in the colours of the Dunsany Racing syndicate, had to battle hard to get the better of An Bonnan Bui on the run-in, clearly appreciating the fast ground conditions.
Earlier, Flagship Queen, which had shown promise on her recent return to action after a lengthy absence, initiated the double when justifying strong market support in the Bride House Hotel Tullamore Handicap Hurdle.
Walsh sent Pat Barrett’s mare past front-running Kalinnjar before the second-last flight before recording a smooth success.
In the opener, Walsh came close to further success when partnering odds-on favourite High Gear, one of two runners in the four-horse race trained by Charlie Swan.
Turning for home, High Gear looked likely to get the better of stable companion Lackelly Blaze and they jumped the final flight together before John Cullen brought Believe You Me with a strong late challenge to get up close home.
Feichead Ghra justified odds-on favouritism in the Cameron Willis Silver Jubilee Year Novice Hurdle while another successful favourite was Tipp Top, trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Roger Loughran which won the McHugh New Holland Finance Handicap Hurdle and then survived a stewards’ inquiry.
Reigning champion jockey Paul Carberry, leading rider here in recent years, was on the mark again when Active Member gained a long overdue victory for trainer Noel Meade in the Beginners’ Chase.
Richard Harding showed his initiative in the bumper, sending the Michael Hourigan-trained Oyez into a clear lead from flagfall, an advantage which he retained throughout.
