Galway trainer Pat Kelly ended a barren run stretching back over four years when sending out Brave Eagle to land division one of the opportunity handicap hurdle.
The 25/1 chance, who paid a massive 418.80 on the Tote, was prominent throughout and stayed on dourly for Joey Elliott to beat Star Accord by two and a half lengths. The Dipstick provided Kelly with his last winner under rules at Galway in October 1998.
Star claimer Keith Hadnett had his allowance reduced from 5lb down to 3lb after partnering his 30th winner aboard Mattie Mac in division two of the opportunity handicap hurdle. The Tom Hogan-trained gelding needed all of the Tipperary rider's strength to overhaul Splendid Memories after the last for a length and a half success.
Mirpour maintained a frustrating sequence of second placings when again finding one too good in the juvenile maiden hurdle. The 1/2 favourite was headed early in the straight by Caishill, who stayed on the better under Steven Craine to score by two lengths. 'Steven gave him a nice confident ride. He's had a few quick runs, so we may give him a little break before going for a winners race,' said trainer Frances Crowley.
Derek O'Connor (20), from Gort in Co.Galway, partnered his second winner when Megsie Here took division one of the mares maiden hurdle in fine style. Paul Lenihan's charge cruised into contention entering the straight, and drew clear on the run-in with the minimum of fuss to beat Howaya Pet by five lengths. 'Her blood was not as good as it should have been earlier this week, but she was in good form so we decided to take a chance and let her run,' said Lenihan.
Division two was won in equally emphatic fashion by the Pat Verling ridden and trained Kerry Native. The 6/1 chance didn't go unnoticed in the betting ring, and skipped clear after the last for a very easy nine lengths verdict over Amadandee.
There was also a third division to this two and a half mile event, and Mistletoeandwine asserted before the final flight for Kieran Kelly to justify favouritism by four and a half lengths from Kilbricken Leader. 'She is a big four-year-old filly, and is a nice chasing prospect for next year,' said successful handler Sean Treacy.
Alan Magee
