Shamar makes the most of fast conditions

Ruby Walsh struck for the first time at Killarney this week when Shamar followed his recent success at Cork by landing the Dawn Milk Omega Novice Hurdle before a massive crowd yesterday.

The Dr Fong gelding has a real turn of foot and, with no great pace for much of the journey, this was certainly made to measure.

Walsh waited until approaching two out before launching his challenge and the winner landed in front. He quickly moved away, crossing the line three and a quarter lengths clear of Que Pasa.

Commented Walsh: “He loves that ground, bounces off it. He’s a different horse on that ground.

“I don’t know about him heading to Galway, he’s very fast and flatter tracks might suit better.”

Moira McMcElligott, from Listowel, rode her second winner on the track when taking the Dawn Lite Milk Handicap on the Paddy Neville-trained Killcara Boy. She drove the eight-year-old ahead coming away from two out and the 16-1 shot kept up the gallop to beat Tirmoyle and Another Ambition.

“I’m delighted for Moira, she broke her collarbone about three weeks ago and I wouldn’t let her ride her family’s horse, Christdonlady (won), here last night”, said Neville. “We will find something for him at Galway now.”

John Murphy continued his terrific run when Sabaidee streaked away with the Europe Hotel And Resort Handicap.

Set alight over two furlongs down by Colin Keane, she surged ahead to beat Morning Ireland by a comfortable three lengths.

Said Murphy: “She just continues to improve. We have always liked her, but found it difficult to get the mare to win.

“She could possibly go to Galway, but didn’t have a hard race there and might run as well early next week.”

Tribes And Banner has developed into a fine money-spinner for Charlie Swan and was on the mark again when taking the Dawn Milk Run Handicap Hurdle.

Partnered by John Cullen, Tribes And Banner forged on before the second last and was nicely in control in the closing stages.

Said Swan: “He will hardly get into the Galway Hurdle, but if he did then that would be a possibility.

“He might go for the two mile and five on the Saturday and there are flat races for him as well. John gets on great with the horse, he has great hands.”

Absolutlyfantastic, beaten into second over fences here on Monday night, reverted to the flat and landed the €540 Average Tote Placepot Dividend Maiden.

He’s a horse who doesn’t always find a lot off the bridle and was given a fine drive by Billy Lee.

Beyond Berlin got first run on him, edging into the lead over a furlong down, but Lee got the timing just right and Absolutlyfantastic pounced late to win by a neck.

Trainer, Henry de Bromhead, said: “That makes up for the other night. Billy gave him a confident ride, he will mix it now, the ground is the key.”

The Killarney Grand Live Music Venue Handicap was the type of contest normally not worth more than a cursory glance.

But this was a bit different, with Jamie Piggott, son of the legendary, Lester, having his first ride aboard the Tommy Stack-trained Pivotal Rock.

The six-year-old actually went off favourite and ran well for a long way, before fading from the two-furlong pole.

Victory went to Pat Flynn’s Measured Approval, who stayed on late for Danny Grant to beat Apache Gold.

Bookmakers ended their four days on the perfect note when the Eoin Doyle-trained newcomer, Palm Sur, swept on early in the straight to score at 20-1. Doyle is currently holidaying in Portugal and so missed the race.

Paul Power, who was in the plate, said: “She is very good, that is her first time on grass.”