Anyone expecting Garrai Ard not to take up her engagement in the Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle after finishing second here yesterday, couldn't have been more wrong, as the Idris mare landed a gamble (12/1 in the morning and 8/1 into 5/1 on track) in fine style.

After racing sixth of the seven, Garrai Ard made her ground three out, she moved third before the next and was in front before the last under a masterful Ruby Walsh, going on to beat the other one for money, Oscar Time (100/30 into 2/1) by ten lengths.

Of course Ruby was two from two yesterday, indeed Garrai Ard was runner-up to one of his winners, Vale Of Avocia. The five-year-old is trained by Eamonn 'Dusty' Sheehy for fellow Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny people, the Barron family. Willie Barron, the well-known business man, was in attendance to accept a presentation to the winners.

Meanwhile Sheehy commented on Garrai Ard: "She is a hardy lady, she may have got there a little too soon yesterday, but she ran a cracker. She is very honest and I will probably give her a break now and when she comes back I may send her over fences." (EM)