Madden off the mark as a pro
Geraghty is in top form since a recent short holiday and shared his double with O’Grady thanks to the exploits of Kentucky Charm and Mamouna Gale.
Kentucky Charm outpointed the only other four-year-old in the field, Urban, in the Kilmore Handicap Hurdle while Mamouna Gale made a successful chasing debut in the colours of the Victoria Syndicate when landing the Hook Mares Beginners Chase.
For Madden, last season’s champion amateur, it was an evening to remember as he notched his first win in the paid ranks on board Ballintra Boy.
Madden is currently deputising for the injured Paul Carberry and it was fitting that his first professional success was achieved for his boss Noel Meade, Ballintra Boy justifying favouritism in the Bettyville Maiden Hurdle at the expense of stable companion Cantbeatheyouth.
Veteran trainer Joe Crowley was on the mark when Amisina, returning after a near four month break, recorded an overdue success in the Coolcotts Handicap Hurdle. The five-year-old mare, ridden by claimer Johnny Allen got the better of Whatadifference by a length.
In the following Handicap Chase Crowley and Allen were expected to complete a double with the favourite Tobar Na Bron but this mare had to settle for the runner-up berth behind 14/1 shot Final Finish, ridden by claimer Paddy Flood for trainer Stephen Ryan.
Jessica Harrington is enjoying plenty of success with her summer team and Ross O’Sullivan was on board Supreme Invite, a daughter of Supreme Leader, as she justified market support in the Tuskar Mares Flat Race.
