1999 Galway Hurdle hero Quinze returned to winning ways when defying top-weight in the #25,000 Lark Developments Handicap Hurdle at Navan yesterday.
Off the track for seventeen months with leg trouble, the eight year-old made a promising comeback at Roscommon recently, and had obviously come on considerably for that outing.
Josh Byrne, riding his first winner for the stable following a spell in England, had his partner in the perfect position throughout and the pair were always holding the late challenge of favourite Patriot Games.
'He had a hole in his tendon, which is why he was off for so long,' said jubilant trainer Pat Hughes. 'We'll have to see, but he'll probably go back over fences, with the Galway Plate a possible target,' he continued.
Testify provided Dungarvan permit-holder Michael O'Connor with his biggest success as a trainer when taking the similarly-titled 2m4f Lark Developments Hurdle.
The home-bred wore down Akasian on the run-in, with the well-backed Saor Theas only managing a disappointing fourth. O'Connor himself was not present, preferring to take in the Waterford/Limerick hurling match in Thurles.
His brother Jerome was on hand to greet the winner however, and revealed that he is likely to be aimed next at a 3m handicap at the Galway festival.
Hill Society delighted trainer Noel Meade when making all to take the Carolans Superstore Hurdle. The nine year-old may not be the force of old, but a canny Paul Carberry ride saw him home in front.
JP McManus, out of luck there with the odds-on Afarad, gained some measure of compensation when Clan Royal and Khairabar gave him a 1-2 in the Leinster Petroleum Handicap Chase.
