On a day when an impressive E1.6 million new weighroom and hospitality facility was officially opened at Ballinrobe, Co Limerick trainer Michael Hourigan saddled Euro Flyer to win the Poplar Linen Westport Mares Handicap Hurdle under R Walsh.
Hourigan, who saddled one of Ballinrobe's star performers, Doran's Pride, to win a bumper at the track, was on hand to report 'Euro Flyer is in foal to Wizard King and has one or two more runs left.'
Fran Berry moved four clear of Michael Kinane at the head of the jockeys' championship, riding Charlie Swan's Mama Jaffa to victory in the JPS Property Development Ballinrobe Handicap.
Luisa Williams represented Swan and also reported 'Mama Jaffa is in foal to Flemensfirth and has probably run her last race.'
The opening Michael Burke Auctioneers Handicap Chase went to Tom McCourt's handicap debutante Casadei.
The six year old headed Phelan's Fancy on the run to the final fence, eventually scoring by three and a half lengths.
Jockey Denis O'Regan was on board his third winner in as many days while McCourt later reported 'Casadei is a serious horse to jump but may revert to hurdles again at Bellewstown soon.'
Jockey Jim Culloty was late for the ride on Endless Magic in the opening race but did arrive on time to partner Edward O'Grady's Monjoyau, winner of the next, the beginners chase.
The winner was a shade fortunate as Kelly's Craft looked to have every chance when making a bad mistake at the third last, with Monjoyau striking the front at the second last fence, for a three length win.
Jemmy John justified 2/5 favouritism when winning the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Claiming Race under Cathy Gannon.
The son of College Chapel raced prominently before striking the front two furlongs from home, staying on well for a three length win over Miracle Ridge.
Lyons later reported 'it is difficult to win with Jemmy John from his current rating of 80 so we decided to come here although he normally does win one race every year.'
Another horse to race prominently and win was Frances Crowley's Tofana, who landed the O.W. Construction Handicap.
Ridden by Crowley's husband Pat Smullen, the three year old filly stretched clear of her rivals over two furlongs out, staying on well for an easy four length win.
Smullen was out of luck in the next, the 1m1f maiden, when his mount Max Almighty was headed by Camouflage inside the final furlong.
A subsequent stewards' enquiry into interference caused by Camouflage, who edged right and slightly hampered third placed Tauranga close home, resulted in no alteration to the placings.
