Review KILBEGGAN 25TH JUN

Barry Geraghty completed a double in the opening two races at the midlands venue, including Karakam who led home a 1-2 for trainer Aoife Kent in the William Glynn Memorial Maiden Hurdle.

The 11/4 favourite held off stablemate Calimantin by a length, but was a shade fortunate as Hazel's Tisrara held a slight advantage when veering sharply left and running out at the final flight.

'Karakam will mix it between handicaps on the Flat and over hurdles, and the GPT at Galway is a possible target', said the south Kilkenny trainer.

Geraghty, now on the 11 winner mark for the new National Hunt season, completed a double half-an-hour later aboard Newlands in the T & V Maiden Hurdle. Frances Crowley's charge struck the front after two out, and was driven out to beat Anna's Run by a length and a half.

'He stays well, likes that fast ground, and is a potential chaser', said Crowley afterwards.

Spot Thedifference completed a hat-trick in the featured Eircell Handicap Chase, leading after three out under Ruby Walsh for a facile 15 lengths victory over Oranbay. 'He did it well today, and will come back here for the Elan Midlands National (July 20)', said winning owner J P McManus' racing manager Frank Berry.

Paul Moloney also partnered a double aboard April Allegro and Afarad. April Allegro quickened nicely before the last to land the Bank Of Ireland Handicap Hurdle, while Afarad readily landed the odds in the J A Shaw Beginners Chase. Christy Roche's charge was left clear after Balmy Native fell two out, and the Curragh trainer may aim him next at a winners race in Cork.

The Carberry brothers fought out a terrific finish to the D & E McHugh New Holland Finance Handicap Hurdle, with Philip getting the better of his elder brother Paul aboard Ask The Moon. Michael Halford's charge and third reserve Royal County Buck, the 7/4 favourite, were in the air together at the last, with the former prevailing by a head.

Neil Mulholland broke his left collar-bone when his mount Pharminda fell at the third last, bringing down Munroc Dancer, in this three miles event.

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