Taffy easily completes hat-trick

Uncle Taffy made a mockery of his handicap mark when effortlessly completing a hat-trick in the two miles Callan Handicap Hurdle.

Completing a double on the afternoon for championship leader Ruby Walsh, now on the 13 winner mark for the season, the 5/2 second favourite cruised through to lead before the last.

Walsh didn't have to move a muscle on the run-in as his mount came home seven lengths clear of 33/1 chance Hepahepa Naeney Captain Declan (14/1) was another half length away in third, with Scottish Reel (6/1) fourth. Admiral Barry was let down by some indifferent jumping, and the 2/1 favourite could only manage seventh.

Winning trainer Tony Martin said: “He enjoys good ground but I thought Admiral Barry would be a tough one to take on. Before we decide anything we'll take him home and make sure he's okay. We'll then make plans for him in a week or two. He could go for a mile and six furlongs race on the Flat.”

Martin trains the seven-year-old for the Plenty Of Spock Syndicate, a group from the St Peters GAA Club in Dunboyne.

Alan Magee