Ruby Walsh completed the rare feat of riding a winner at every track in the country when Kid Creole, trained by his father Ted, landed division two of the seven furlongs maiden at Laytown.
Walsh has packed alot into his 24 years including two amateur and two professional jockeys championships as well as a string of big race wins, and his mount quickened up nicely on the far side over a furlong out to beat Irish Verse by three lengths.
Memories of the incident here nine years ago which led to big improvements in the safety procedures at the beach track came back for Robbie Burke after he partnered Love to take division one of the six furlongs handicap.
Burke broke a collar-bone in that 1994 pile-up, and this was his first return to the venue having enjoyed a successful spell in Macau over the past six years. 'There was a ridge hidden under a stream when I was injured, and I fell on some stones but the course is in much better condition now. I had a great time in Macau riding 384 winners and was twice champion jockey,' said Burke.
Nic's Colleen justified favouritism in division two when leading inside the final quarter mile for Danny Grant, and staying on to hold off the fast-finishing Monash Prince by a length and a half.
Michael Grassick saddled his 12th winner of the season when Java Lady took division one of the seven furlongs maiden. The four-year-old stayed on well under pressure for Seamus Heffernan when getting up close home to beat Side With Me by half a length. 'She is in foal to Danetime, and will now be retired. She has a nice pedigree, and it's great to get her a winning bracket,' said the Curragh trainer.
Caroline Hutchinson saddled a winner for her great friend Carmel Bowden when Buttons Galore triumphed under Pat Shanahan in division one of the seven furlongs handicap.
'We are a bit like the three musketeers as I worked with Carmel and Pat in Con Collins' yard for many years. This is a lucky spot for me as I've now trained two winners and ridden two here,' said Ms Hutchinson.
Shanahan completed a double when also taking division two as Red Venus kept on courageously in the final 100 yards to deny Bloom Of Tara by a neck.
Alan Magee
