Review GOWRAN PARK 8TH OCT

Thirty one non-runners over the eight races changed the complexion of the card, Noel Meade taking out six of his ten intended participants owing to the good to firm going.

There are those that maintain that the outsider of three always wins and while that view is a long way from the truth, Meade wasnt worried about the merit of the argument after the feature.

Disappointingly the National Lottery Agent Champion Chase saw just three runners compete. The betting followed official ratings, Ansar was 1/2, Strong Project at 2/1and Always at 9/1.

The odds-on shot hit the 2nd fence hard and he couldnt raise his effort as the race developed into a sprint up the straight. He finished last as Always prevailed by a neck from Strong Project.

Noel Meade trains the Paul Carberry-ridden winner for Des Sharkey and he said, 'that is a surprise but then isnt life full of surprises. We wanted the race to develop into a sprint and that suited us best.

'He jumped well and we might even look at Liverpool (over the National fences) for him. He is in at Goffs Sales in a fortnights time but well have to see about that now.'

Denis ORegan, who partnered Ansar, reported that his mount felt flat throughout. He was also found to have a cut to his stifle post race.

Red Square Lady, in the news after she received a 14Ib rise in the ratings as a result of finishing 1 1/2L 2nd to Accordion Etoile at Tipperary earlier in the season, gained her 2nd win since.

Battling to victory in the 3m Listed hcap hurdle by a neck over Dow Jones in the hands of Andrew McNamara, Mick Phillips mare may now have earned a break.

'Well see how she is but she is qualified for a 2m 5f novice hcap hurdle at Cheltenham in November and itll either be that or her holidays,' said the trainer.

Tony Mullins maintains he has a smart sort on his hands in the shape of The Last Stand (3s out to 5/1), an all-the-way victor of the juvenile hurdle under Mark Watts.

'I was shocked when he was beaten in Listowel but he ran too free there, so we decided to let him make it today. Hell go to the Cheltenham November meeting next,' explained the local trainer.

Paul Nolans expected favourite for the bumper, Cuan Na Grai had to miss his engagement owing to a stone bruise, but the Enniscorthy trainer had earlier dominated the 2m hcap hurdle.

Run Katie Chimes under Johnny Cullen out-pointed stable-companion Mango Catcher and Robbie Moran by a neck to the delight of exacta winning ticket holders (a dividend of E910.80).

Martinstown gained an overdue win in division one of the maiden hurdle while the other divide saw Denis ORegan gain a measure of compensation for Ansar on John Kielys Dark Artist.

Man About Town missed the beginners chase because of the ground, this contest going to 25/1 shot, Gorthnacurra for Pat Morris and Robbie Colgan.

Paddy Flood was taken to the local hospital for x-rays following a fall from Vox Populi at the last in the opener. He received a kick on the back of the neck.

Dr Walter Halley, Turf Club Chief Medical Officer, said the Kildare rider would be stood down for a minimum of 7 days. Luckily he broke nothing in the spill.