Hourigan hails Listowel double
Michael Hourigan and Barry Geraghty teamed up for a double at Listowel, highlighted by the win of The Crafty Butcher in the feature M.J. Carroll Arro Handicap Hurdle.
There were plenty in with chances as the field approached the final flight but Geraghty always looked to have a bit up his sleeve.
Sent off at 11-2, the six-year-old hit the front and went two lengths clear of Coolmill with Darenjan third.
"That was a super ride, the ride of the week. He was off the bridle passing the stands, but he does like to come from off the pace," said Hourigan.
"My horses weren't firing on all cylinders last season, but I've a few nice horses now. This horse will go chasing sooner rather than later. He was placed in a few point-to-points.
"All the local boys own him so that's why there's all the excitement. That's three winners on the week for me."
Run For The Wind again showed a liking for Listowel with his victory in the Allman Contracts Limited Beginners Chase.
Well backed into 3-1 at the off, the seven-year-old was always prominent and after challeging two out, kept on nicely from the last to beat Benash by three and three-quarter lenghts.
He is now a winner on the Flat, over hurdles and fences at the Kerry venue, but Hourigan admitted: "It's horses for courses. I didn't want to run him only the owner is down. I was worried about the ground, I thought it was a bit tacky. I wanted to go to Ballinrobe next week, but the owner was right again.
"He's obviously a good horse fresh as he hasn't run since Killarney. He was very slick and quick at his fences today. The ground must be drying out."
Eddie Harty could have another decent animal on his hands after Minella Foru won the John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle in cosy fashion.
Harty will always be looking for another Captain Cee Bee and while it is early days, the future looks bright for the Mark Walsh-ridden winner.
"That was a lovely run and he's a lovely horse. He's won well and I'm thrilled. We'll see what the race turns out to be. He was ready to run, he was fit enough if good enough," said Harty.
"He'll run in three or four weeks' time again and that will tell us a lot. I was lucky enough to have one brilliant horse - Captain Cee Bee - and every horse I have is judged by his ability. We're living in hope with Minella Foru, the dream is still alive."
Mikey Fogarty has made a tremendous start to life as a professional and made it three wins from five rides as the Paul Nolan-trained Dick Dundee (12-1) claimed the Charlie Chute Memorial Handicap Chase.
Nolan said: "His jumping won it for him and no doubt he has improved for going chasing. He had been off the track for a while with tendon injuries. When he won his point-to-point he looked decent.
"I thought three or four out he might win easily. He's had plenty of problems and it's good to win with him. He had loads of ability as a youngster and sometimes they don't get a second or third chance."
