Charles Byrnes' Mounthenry, who lost a subsequent appeal into his controversial promotion in a race at Punchestown on December 11, won the featured E26,000 Hackettspoker.com Novice Hurdle at Limerick today.
Winning jockey Andrew McNamara makes riding horses look easy and he moved Mounthenry through to lead approaching two out, eventually coasting home to a 5l win over Drunken Disorderly.
Afterwards Byrnes mentioned 'Mounthenry will now go for the Grade 2 Byrne Group PLC Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on February 5.'
Meanwhile, Cashmans Bookmakers introduced Mounthenry at 33/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
McNamara, riding Captain Mac in the Live 95 FM Handicap Hurdle, was denied a double as the horse's stablemate Good Thyne Jack, under Robert Power, eventually won by 3 1/2l.
Winning trainer Eric McNamara's horses are on fire at the moment and he later stated 'Good Thyne Jack is improving away the whole time and that is his third win here.'
'He loves heavy ground and will go for another two and a half mile handicap next, where he has plenty of options.'
Cashel based restricted license holder Stanley Ryan saddled 11yo Golden Domer to his fourth career win, in the Hackett's Freefone 1800-200-484 Handicap Hurdle.
Ridden by promising 7lb claimer Tom Molloy, Golden Domer led before the fourth last and stayed on well in the heavy ground for a 13 length win over Belos.
Afterwards Ryan praised his son Declan with the success, stating 'he does all the hard work and suggested putting a 7lb claimer on board today. We'll probably go for another handicap again now.'
Cloone Leader provided Clonroche, Co Wexford restricted license holder Larry Byrne with his first winner in the Hackett's Bookmakers EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle.
Ridden by Robbie Moran, Cloone Leader was always prominent, led five out before holding the challenge of Lodge Princess from the second last flight.
Afterwards Byrne mentioned 'I only have my license a few months and I bred the mare myself; I've no immediate plans for her yet.'
The opening Hackett's Ireland's Largest Independent Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle went to well backed 7/4 favourite Proper Article, under Barry Geraghty.
Dermot Weld's gelding tracked leader Ethon throughout, and after making a mistake at the second last flight, moved through to lead before the final flight, eventually holding on for a length win over Pearl's A Singer.
