James Burns saddled the biggest win of his nine year training career when Vinthea captured the e130,000 McDonogh Handicap in front of a record Tuesday crowd of 22,216.
Timmy Houlihan's mount got a nice run up the inner at the home bend, and kept on well to beat Desert Trail, who lost ground when running wide into the straight, by 1L.
'The form of her latest fourth at Goodwood has been working out well, and Timmy gave her a lovely ride. She may go now for the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown (Sept 7),' said the Curragh trainer.
Dermot Weld opened his account for the meeting when Mutakarrim (1/1-8/11) justified strong support in the maiden hurdle, asserting before the last for Barry Geraghty to score by 8L.
'We expected him to do that, and the ground was my only concern', said Weld, who plans to turn the gelding out again in the Galway Hurdle on Thursday.
Barrow Drive (5/2-2/1f) made all under Philip O'Brien in the 2m6f chase and, despite a number of blunders, drew clear on the long run-in to beat Valley Erne by 15L.
Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning were again on the mark when Feabhas took the 2yo fillies maiden by 1/2L from outsider Il Na Cullin, with Canouan switched close home 3/4L further back.
The well-backed Satine proved a big disappointment, but was found to be lame post-race.
Biondo (20/1) benefitted from a patient ride by Michael Hussey in the 7f handicap, swooping late to touch off Estival Park by 1/2L and so ruin most jackpot perms.
The jackpot pool swelled to a massive e178,480, and seven lucky punters each received a dividend e19,122 after Ulysees landed the 3yo maiden.
Michael Kinane's mount led entering the straight, and held the renewed effort of fav Blatant by 1L.
The former champion doubled up in the concluding 2m handicap where Discerning Air (7/1-7/2f) led a furlong out to beat The Cushman by 3L.
Alan Magee
