McDaid enjoys change of luck with Legend
He is the head of the four-member Tir Conaill Syndicate who own Some Legend, successful in the www.tramore-racecourse.com Maiden Hurdle.
McDaid wasn't on hand, however, as Barry Geraghty eased Edward O'Grady's charge to the front coming away from the third last.
Ponmeoath, who blundered five out and taken from 5-4 to 8-11, was soon in pursuit and held every chance off the home turn.
Ruby Walsh went for the inside, but Ponmeoath found precious little and was two lengths adrift at the line. “I would imagine Some Legend will now go chasing”, reported O'Grady.
The stewards inquired into the “uncompetitive” performance of Tada, trained by Michael Joseph Kelly and pulled up when out of contention.
They noted that he had failed to run competitively or show ability in five previous runs and suspended the horse for 60 days.
Walsh wasted no time getting among the winners when guiding Spiritual Society to victory in the Graun Hill Handicap hurdle.
Backed from 9-2 to 100-30 favourite, Spiritual Society came from way off the pace to lead two out and then get the better of a tough tussle with Izshebigishe on the flat.
“He's a very free horse and Ruby rides him whatever way he wants,” said Willie Mullins. “If he learns to settle should win another few.”
The five-year-old is owned by six students attending college in Roscrea, who didn't get out to see the race, but, apparently, did back their charge!
Dermot Weld doesn't train too many 14-1 winners, but managed the feat in the opening Sponsor A Race at Tramore Handicap with Cosmic String.
The In The Wings gelding led down hill to the straight, but was followed through by market leader, Tango Foxtrot, who appeared to be travelling much the stronger.
But Tango Foxtrot found nothing when let down by Rory Cleary and there was six lengths between the principals at the line.
For rider, Shane Gorey, it was an 11th success of the season, taking his overall tally to 21.
The layers enjoyed the Guillamene Maiden as well with another 14-1 shot obliging, Scent for Joanna Morgan.
Partnered by Wayne Lordan, very much at the top of his game right now, Scent made all the running to easily beat On Your Way.
Edward O'Grady's hurdler, Dalton, was the business in the morning and was reasonably strong on track as well.
But he never promised to deliver, trailing in a well beaten fifth.
Michael Hourigan's charges are in rude health right now and his Just took the Gain Horse Feeds Handicap Chase.
Splendidly handled by Andrew McNamara, Just was in front going to the second last and answered the call to hold Logical Star by a short head on the run in.
“He's a game horse, who stays well, and can win again”', said Hourigan.
Pat Martin has enjoyed a good season and was on the mark when Gilberto justified favouritism in the Waterford and Tramore Directors' Claiming Race.
He looked a remote possibility entering the last half mile, appearing to be struggling to get into contention.
But Chris Hayes persevered and Gilberto forged clear of Penny Rich inside the furlong pole.
Said Martin: “He won a maiden when trained by Eddie Lynam. He had a problem with his back, but Eddie assured me it was sorted out when going to the sales.”
Barna Bay was always a short price to win the Bumper and duly scored, although it took the considerable skills of Nina Carberry to get him home a length and a half to the good over the flattering Un Hinged.
