Two years on from the tragic fall that resulted in the death of Kieran Kelly, a memorial hcap chase was held in his honour at the track this evening.
Well-backed favourite Mon Oiseau led after two out and looked sure to score but he drifted left and his rider lost his whip on the run-in.
Il En Reve under Michael Darcy came home strongly to prevail by a head. Sean Treacys runner was making up for the disappointment of coming down at the first in the Galway Plate.
Sadly Alpha Rhythm, a faller two out, had to be put down. Treacy was not in attendance but he is sure to have been delighted with the French-breds fifth victory.
Artistic Lads Galway 3rd placing had been boosted in the interim with a win for the second, this seeing him go off 9/10 market-leader for the opener.
Despite in the words of his rider Barry Geraghty being a bit leery in front, Jessica Harringtons chestnut son of Peintre Celebre beat Result by 2L and will now be upped in trip to 2m 4f.
Geraghty then went on to complete a near ten and a half to one double when Michael Halfords Nassaro beat favourite Pollys Joy in the 2m 3f hcap hurdle.
Nicky OShea, who works for Dessie Hughes, beat his boss representative Cowanstown Miss in a driving finish to the mares maiden hurdle. The Tralee man was riding Pheonix Bell for Dermot Kelly.
Paddy Flood, rider of Cowanstown Miss, didnt have long to wait for compensation, making all half an hour later on Michael Hourigans gambled-on Dodger Nash in the 3m hcap hurdle.
Backed from 20/1 into 14/1, this represented a fair achievement on the part of connections as the 11yo was returning from a 665 day absence.
James Halpin trains in Co. Meath and he saddled his first winner on the track with Legal Express in the beginners chase. This was also a first as a professional for rider Andrew Lynch.
