Buster not just a Kilbeggan specialist
Barrack Buster, a tremendous money-spinner for the Brassil stable, was recording the fifth success of her career and, notably, her first away from Kilbeggan, having recorded her four previous wins around the popular Midlands track.
Walsh sent Barrack Buster past odds-on favourite Star Horse three flights from home. And the progressive five-year-old mare drew clear to slam the 8/13 market-leader by no less than 25 lengths.
A delighted Martin Brassil declared, “She's a good tough mare and loves Kilbeggan, and good ground. She has run well here before and might comne back for another 'novice' at the next meeting, if the ground stays as it is."
Highly-regarded but ultimately disappointing over hurdles, Dizzy's Dream proved another impressive winner at the track's first meeting of the new National Hunt campaign, Noel Meade's charge making all to record a facile win in the www.punchestown.com Beginners Chase.
Ridden by stable-jockey Paul Carberry, Dizzy's Dream, the 5/4 favourite jumped well in front and romped home an easy winner, fourteen lengths clear of Daniels Hymn, proving his potential over the larger obstacles.
Michael Griffin, who trains just four horses in Tallow, County Waterford, had a weekend to savour, following-up the win of 20/1 Be My Bonne at Listowel on Saturday by saddling Ardsallagh's Lark to win the Event Centre Maiden Hurdle.
Having watched Davy Russell get Ardsallagh's Lark up close home to snatch a narrow win in a blanket-finish, Griffin exclaimed: "Having two winners in two days is unbelievable. I'm in a state of shock, but I'm not complaining."
Trainer Pat Hughes, who enjoyed mixed fortune at the Listowel Festival, was on the mark when English importation Helensburgh made a successful Irish and hurdling debut in the opening juvenile hurdle.
While most of Hughes' winners are well-backed, this son of Mark Of Esteem, ridden by Joey Elliot, prevailed at 16/1 from Kentucky Charm.
Colm Murphy, who enjoyed such tremendous success with Brave Inca last season, was back in the winner's enclosure when Feathard Lady, the mount of Ross O'Sullivan, retained her unbeaten record in the mares' bumper.
