Mareoflot makes it three from four with smooth success
Confidently handled by Brian Byrnes, Mareoflot took over from the front-running Megamar when that one blundered at the third last.
She made the rest and was quickly in control to beat Know The Ropes a cosy two lengths.
Commented McNamara: “Brian gave her a great ride, I told him not to make it.
“She will probably go for a two and a half mile handicap at Tralee next.”
The stewards inquired into an incident on the approach to the last, when the winner edged to her left.
There was never a possibility of a change in placings and you would have to describe the investigation as frivolous.
Flying Johnny M, taken from evens on one board to 8-13, had to dig deep to win the corkracecourse.ie Novice Hurdle.
He tried to make all for Andrew McNamara, but looked in trouble when Aviatore headed him coming away from the third last.
Flying Johnny M fought back well, however, and was just too strong for his rival in the last hundred yards.
Commented trainer, Michael Hourigan: “We will try and find another race like this, he wants all of three miles.”
Tony Mullins enjoyed a turn when Stadium Project beat market-leader, Earth Magic, in the Kanturk Maiden Hurdle.
Earth Magic was soon bowling along, but Mark Watts produced the winner with a sustained challenge to get on top close home.
“He has to have good ground”, reported Mullins.
“I thought Mark was very strong for a 7lbs claimer.
“We think this fellow is going to make a nice chaser and long-term the plan is the Galway Plate.”
Drumavish Lass, absent since finishing second at Tramore back in August, was all the rage for the moderate Mallow Maiden Hurdle for mares.
Backed from some evens to 4-7 she scored with plenty in hand, after Ruby Walsh allowed her cruise ahead going to two out.
Breaking Silence redeemed the promise of his debut third at Clonmel when taking the Bumper.
Carrying the colours of Susan Magnier and ridden by her son, J P, Breaking Silence and Jodies Oscar had a real set-to through the last three furlongs.
For much of that it appeared to be going in favour of the eventual second, but it was Breaking Silence who showed the greater resolution in the closing stages to win by a comfortable length and a half.
Pat Fahy's Happy Lord put up a game display to land the Mitchelstown Handicap Hurdle at 12-1.
Pushed ahead before the fourth last by Roger Loughran, the winner hit the final three flights, but still had enough in reserve to repel Silver Pat.
The moderate Charleville Handicap Chase went to the John Allen partnered Bordante, who found plenty up the straight to beat Majella's Boy.
