John Oxxs lightning fast start to the campaign continued when he saddled Significant to make a winning debut in the median auction maiden under stable jockey Michael Kinane.
Oxx, registering his twelfth victory of the term (7 clear of his nearest pursuer), wasnt present to see the Sheikh Mohammed-owned gelding hit the front close home to justify 7/4 favouritism.
Slim ONeill, representing the Currabeg outfit, described the son of Josr Algarhoud as a big backward horse that had a few simple problems and he was just about ready for today.
Fuerta Ventura became the first flat performer to register a hat-trick this season, Ken Condons filly getting to the front a furlong and a half out before battling on well to hold off all challengers in the opener.
Following up victories at Thurles and at Navan last Saturday (carried a fixed 5Ib penalty for that here), Condon may give his tough and gutsy charge a little rest now.
Trainer John OShea made the interesting observation that 8yo chasers dont often win flat maidens. The Callan handler had just watched his Jakeups Fold make all over a mile and one.
Jason Behan was aboard the son of Archway, the Dublin rider enjoying his first success in over two years. Jakeups Fold will mix it under all codes over the summer.
Beau Memories came good at the seventh attempt in the hcap hurdle, leading two out under Robbie Power before staying on well to score by 4L for Stephen Ryan.
Conor ODwyer, runner-up there on Moscows Dream, had earlier got on the score-sheet when steering Mags Mullins Be With Me Now home in the maiden hurdle.
Noel Meade and stable amateur, Slippers Madden combined for a double, taking both divides of the bumper. Back To Bid was described as awful green after he came home well to win by 2 1/2L.
In division two, the former successful pointer, Ballyagran triumphed by 5L and Meade commented, there is no real plan for either of these but they could turn out again before seasons end.
