Paul Carberry will be out of action until next week after being injured when hunting on Tuesday, and the reigning champion missed out on a winner when Barry Geraghty filled in aboard Alpha Eight in the handicap hurdle.
Jimmy Mangan's charge struck the front approaching the last, and kept on to beat top-weight Knockatotaun by a length. Carberry is reportedly sore having been 'head-butted by a stag!'
John Kenny was full of praise for his neighbour Charlie Swan after the former champion made all on My Name's Not Bin in the three miles winners hurdle. 'Charlie is fantastic, and he got her jumping super today. I didn't think she would go on that better ground but she has the heart of a lion,' said a delighted Kenny who plans to send the mare chasing next season.
Johnny McGrath (25) partnered his first winner under rules when An Capall Dubh stretched clear from two out to beat Appel Island by seven lengths in the hunters chase.
Windsor Boy completed a good week for the Malm Syndicate, which includes former Minister, Michael Lowry, when readily justifying favouritism under Norman Williamson in the maiden hurdle. Lowry was also on hand to greet Aintree-bound Sacundai into the winners enclosure at Limerick on Monday, and trainer Edward O'Grady said afterwards, 'We bought him at the Horses In Training sale nearly 18 months ago and, now that he's found himself, may go for a winners of one.'
Favourite backers were again on the mark half-an-hour later when Nobody Told Me landed the mares novice hurdle. Sam Curling's mount was spring-heeled at the final flight before staying on well to beat Stashedaway by a length. 'I will aim her at Fairyhouse and, the way she won there, she looks well capable of winning again,' said trainer Willie Mullins.
Give Me Style was prominent throughout under Pat Verling in the beginners chase, and drew clear off the home bend to beat Smart Design by three lengths.
Alan Magee
