Review CLONMEL 30TH MAY

The girls were very much on top at this seven race mixed meeting, with three winners partnered by the fairer sex. Helen Keohane (18), from Bantry, Co. Cork was first up when recorded her debut win on Cedar Wells in the Cahir Handicap.

The six-year-old gelding led over a furlong out, and stayed on to beat Mark The Beginning by two lengths. 'That's my first winner for two years, and is long overdue,' said successful handler Edward Sexton before adding: 'He's been running in sprint handicaps, and was suited by the step up in trip.'

Victoria Hughes, who is apprenticed this year to James Burns, partnered her fourth success aboard Tupgill Tipple in the Knockmealdown Handicap. The four-year-old filly was sent to the front early in the straight, and stayed on really well to beat Lucky Me by six lengths.

Rita McCann made her first ride a winning one when giving a cool performance on Bennie's Pride to land the bumper, staying on well inside the final quarter mile to beat Seemore Street by two lengths.

Dual bumper winner Jolly Moonbeam completed a hat-trick in the two miles Clonmel Maiden, although Pat Cosgrave's mount survived an anxious moment when appearing to stumble entering the straight. However she was soon back on an even keel, and kept on well to beat Carolina by a-length-and-a-half.

The National Hunt season drew to a tame close at this mixed meeting, and newly crowned champion jockey and trainer, Paul Carberry and Noel Meade, had to settle for second place with Old Opry in the Nenagh Novice Hurdle. Victory here went to Barry Geraghty aboard Four Aces, and left the former champion on a seasonal best tally of 84 - level with Ruby Walsh but 26 behind Carberry.

Jamica Plane made all under Jimmy Mansell in the Gain Feeds Handicap Chase, although he had to dig deep after the last to fend off a three-pronged challenge eventually beating Saor Theas by three lengths. The tough nine-year-old may bid for a quick follow-up at Tralee on Monday.

Astronomer, a facile winner on very testing ground in a Sligo Flat event last month, will 'continue to mix it between the Flat and hurdles' after being confidently ridden by Shane McCann to land the Glanbia Handicap Hurdle.

Alan Magee