Review LISTOWEL 22ND SEP

Michael Halford is enjoying his best year ever, and the Curragh trainer added to his tally by taking the featured Harp Lager Handicap with the progressive Helen Bach.

The 4yo filly led inside the final furlong under Tadhg O'Shea to beat topweight Moving On Up by 1 1/2L.

'She won off a rating of 52 at Killarney in May, and that's now her fourth win this year off 77 today,' said Halford, whose 26 wins this year include 19 on the Flat.

Pat Smullen extended his lead at the head of the Flat jockeys title race when Among Equals justified odds-on support with a 2L victory over Ambry in the 10f maiden.

Smullen, who will have his first ride in the USA on Sunday when Grand Finale contests a Grade 3 event at Belmont, is on the 69 winner mark - 9 ahead of both John Murtagh and Mick Kinane.

Weld later doubled up when Catherina quickened in the straight off a slow pace to take the 1m6f amateur race under Kevin O'Ryan.

Moscow Retreat is on target for the Denny Chase at Leopardstown (Dec 26) after recording his fourth chase win under Jason Titley in the 2m novice.

'He will have a holiday for a month, and then may run at Cork before the Dennys,' said trainer Michael Hourigan, who added: 'He is an exciting horse to have.'

Hourigan was fancied to complete a quick double in the handicap chase with Bumper To Bumper (9/4-7/4f) but the 8yo finished lame in third behind Padre Mio.

The 12yo's victory left Ruby Walsh just one behind the sidelined Paul Carberry (29-28) in the jump riders table.

Carberry has a severe ligament strain to his left knee after Super Franky fell in the Kerry National here on Wednesday but the injury will not require surgery.

Carmelite travelled sweetly throughout in division 1 of the maiden hurdle, heading Barnawee Bridge before the last to score by 4L.

'Barry (Geraghty) said he jumped super, and quickened every time he saw a hurdle,' said trainer Jessica Harrington.

There was a popular local success in the opportunity handicap hurdle where Dip's Guest, trained by Pat Lacey and ridden by David O'Leary, led two out to beat Bachelors Bar by 5L.

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