Review LISTOWEL 17th Sep Ponmeoath claimed back-to-back victories in the Guinness Kerry National under Paddy Flood on day two of the Listowel Festival.Eric McNamara's 9-1 shot hadn't been able to get his head in front in the last 12 months, but raced with plenty of zest here, having had a prep run over timber at Cork.He jumped to the front three out and never looked like being caught, eventually crossing the line with three lengths to spare over Oulart, and connections indicated the Munster National may be the next port of call.Garrai Ard showed no ill effects from her second at the track 24 hours earlier when bounding clear in the Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle.Held up towards the rear by Ruby Walsh, the 5-1 chance made stealthy headway after the turn for home and quickened clear with a good leap at the last to beat Oscar Time by 10 lengths.Davy Russell rode his first winner since returning from injury when bringing I Don't Know with a well-timed challenge in the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle.Kalellshan and Westways appeared to cut each other's throats in front and the top-weight cruised into a share of the lead two out under Russell, before staying on to beat the latter by two and a half lengths.Davy Russell made it a double on the day when Mullicagh Lass pulverised her rivals in the Lynch's Bakery Handicap Hurdle.Travelling much the best turning for home, the 11-2 chance barely had to break sweat as she careered away from Benitez, finishing 18 lengths to the good.Just Naturally shed his maiden tag at the 13th attempt when fending off the challenge of Fantoche in the John F.McGuire Beginners Chase as at odds of 8-1, while Kevin Coleman timed it right on Glenquest (14-1) to land the spoils in the Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health Maiden Hurdle.© www.irish-racing.com
