Luck be a Lady for Feathard
The Colm Murphy-trained mare travelled sweetly for Ruby Walsh in the two-mile event and took command after jumping the last a stride in front of Sky’s The Limit.
The daughter of Accordion scooted clear for a four-length success, earning a 33-1 quote from Cashmans for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Murphy said: “She is a lazy filly to train. I was very impressed as it was a big ask on her first run back on that ground.
“I’ve no real plans for her at the moment, but because she has so much pace we’ll probably keep her to two miles.”
Afistfullofdollars looks to have a bright future after opening his account over fences at the first time of asking in the JWJ Porter & Co Beginners Chase.
Noel Meade’s seven-year-old had eight lengths to spare over Macs Flamingo at the line and the trainer believes he could now be a Cheltenham Festival prospect.
“I’ve always thought he would be a chaser and I’m hoping he’ll be a SunAlliance horse,” Meade said.
“He’ll go for the William Neville Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and he’ll have a run before then.
“I am absolutely delighted with him.”
Cashmans quote Meade’s charge at 20-1 for the Festival showpiece.
Advance Guard, trained on The Curragh by Cork-born Ger O'Leary, came good at the second time of asking over hurdles in the three-year-old maiden hurdle.
The Inzar gelding stretched clear after the last to win a shade comfortably and earn a crack at one of the better juvenile hurdle prizes over the Christmas period.
Laetitia enhanced her paddock value when the favourite got the better of a good duel with High Priestess to win the Scarvagh House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle.
The five-year-old has been admirably consistent and dug deep for Davey Russell to land the first prize of over €26,000 for connections.
Her trainer Charles Byrnes said: “I'm thrilled to get some black type for her.”
JP Magnier stole the finale on Once A Brownie, who pinched a few lengths on his rivals with a couple of furlongs to go and, despite the best intentions of the favourite Sher Why Not, the four-year-old ran out a decisive winner to score for Eddie Hales.
Conor O'Dwyer completed a double, initiated by Hear The Echo who looked a useful staying novice hurdle prospect when he took the maiden hurdle for David Wachman.
O'Dwyer doubled up on the well-supported Jirlan, who ran out a comfortable winner of the handicap chase for Arthur Moore.
Henrietta Knight and Timmy Murphy are both to appeal against the punishments they received over the running and riding of Harringay at Towcester on Thursday.
The trainer was fined £1,000, the jockey banned for 14 days and the horse prevented from running for 40 days following the two-mile novice hurdle.
The local stewards ruled the mare had been “tenderly ridden“, the 9-4 shot finishing fifth, beaten 13 and a half lengths by the winner.
“I am going to appeal. It’s in the hands of my solicitor and he’s going to lodge it,” said Knight.
“Nothing about the whole incident has changed in my mind since yesterday.”
