Storm Mahler and Conor McNamara lead home fellow chestnut Port Rashid© Photo Healy Racing
A model of consistency this year, Storm Mahler justified 10/3 favouritism in the first divide of the On-Course Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle, scoring for the father and son team of Eric and Conor McNamara.
After making the breakthrough at Cork in March, the five-year-old chestnut since finished a never nearer third on his most recent outing at the Mallow venue.
Settled in mid-division on the outer, the Michael Hannon-owned victor took closer order from three out and wasn't fluent at the next.
Pushed along in fourth from the last, he kept on strongly from the furlong pole and was ridden to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by a length.
Veteran Port Rashid (14/1) finished a gallant second under Jody Townend for her father Tim, while Just About Right (7/1), who looked set to score when sent a few lengths clear over a furlong out, ultimately faded close home and finished another length away in third.
"We gave him a break and we were anxious to get him back for this time of year. I was just afraid that he might need the run a small bit but at home he seemed to be fit and well and seemed to be in great shape," the winning handler said.
"I'm delighted with him and he'll head to Listowel in three weeks' time and if the handicapper isn't too hard on him he might have a chance again.
"He wants three miles and I'm sure it'll be the handicap over that trip at Listowel that he goes for.
"I'm glad that the horses are in form and running well."
STEWARDS REPORT
T.G.McCourt, trainer of Charlie Bawnie reported to the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer that his charge Charlie Bawnie was found to have mucus in his lungs upon endoscopic examination post race.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
