Holly Tree far too good for fancied rivals
He was beautifully handled by 18-year-old Sean Flanagan from Wexford, who turns professional next Monday. It was a fourth success for Flanagan.
Holly Tree shot away off the final turn to easily beat Farmer Brown with heavily-backed favourite, Freds Benefit, finding nothing back in third for Ruby Walsh pressure.
Trainer, Dusty Sheehy, commented: “He's been very consistent. I was going to put him over fences, but will now keep him as a novice for next season. He will probably have a break to freshen him up, although he does take his races well.”
The John Murphy-trained Jack Absolute, second twice behind Island Life, found the Hacketts' Ireland's Largest Independent Bookmakers' Maiden Hurdle a bit easier, scrambling to a short head victory.
Eddie Power pushed him ahead early in the straight, but the game looked up when Disclosure landed in front at the last.
The grey rallied in fine style on the level, however, and was in front again at the line, by a short head.
Power has been with Murphy for about a year and this was his 14th success on the track. He needs one more to see his claim reduced to 5lbs.
Willie Austin's Conem, absent since October, produced a decent effort to defy 11-9 in the Hacketts' Freefone Handicap Hurdle.
Always travelling sweetly for Barry Geraghty, he eased ahead off the home turn to easily beat Moving On.
Austin reported: “Hopefully, we're on the way back, our horses have been sick with the virus. He could run again at Thurles next Thursday.”
Another off since November, Tom Hogan's Midnight Gift, toyed with the opposition in the EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Partnered with typical confidence by Denis O'Regan, she had far too many guns for Simons Girl and disappointing market-leader, Running Wild.
Said Hogan: “She's always been a very nice mare, who has had a few little problems. I could never get her right last year.
“Some of mine had coughs and colds, so I backed off them. She has chaser written all over her, but will run next in a mares winners' hurdle at Cork.”
Time To Sell, who scored by ten lengths over fences at Thurles, enjoyed a first success over flights in the Live 95FM Handicap Hurdle.
“He went up plenty for failing to win, but today was the day”, said delighted handler, Eugene O'Sullivan.
Time To Sell now faces another hike, having run right away from his rivals for Martin Ferris to do the business unextended by 15 lengths.
“If he's alright he may go back to Thurles next Thursday for another handicap hurdle”, concluded O'Sullivan.
Robert Tyner's Glenfidick, a generous 14-1 shot, edged ahead well over a furlong down to take the Bumper.
He was a first winner for 18-year-old pilot, Michael Byrne, son of former National Hunt jockey, Micheal John.
