Andrew McNamara, in double form at Killarney yesterday, rode his fourth winner in five days as Lord Archie upset the odds-on Davenport Milenium in the beginners chase.
Winner of a point-to-point last autumn, the chasing newcomer displayed the stamina of his half-sister, 1998 Midlands Grand National heroine, Miss Orchestra, to outstay the favourite.
Cecil Ross trains the good ground loving Arctic Lord 7yo. The Mullingar handler was just hopeful beforehand although sure that the step-up in trip would suit.
Ireland are now virtually assured of victory in the battle with Australia in the jump jockeys challenge, the home team leading by a score of 68 to 28 with Downpatrick on Friday to go.
Philip Carberry took maximum points as he guided Parlessence to success in the hcap hurdle for Dessie Hughes. The favourite beat Paul Hamblin by 1L on Coolnaharan.
Urowells was 2nd and staying on under pressure when falling at the last whilst Kerry Way was badly hampered when left 3rd here and he unseated his rider.
Meanwhile, Paul Carberrys anticipated return after his fall from More Rainbows almost three weeks ago, failed to materialise, Ruby Walsh taking over on Kniaz in the hcap chase.
That market-leader had no answer to Curragh Gem though, Joe Crowleys gelding making most under Johnny Allen for an un-extended 3 1/2L win.
Winner of a Gowran bumper for Pat Flynn on his debut in 2002, the 8yo had endured a barren period since, but he had signalled a return to form behind Pedrobob at Galway last time.
A 4,500 yearling purchase, the now 4yo Goose Island continued her rise up the handicap, gaining her fourth win (all this term) in the 1m 2f hcap.
Competing off a mark 28Ib higher than her rating at the end of June, Pat Martins daughter of Kahyasi triumphed by 1 1/2L under Chris Hayes.
Martin suggested that leading apprentice Hayes (33rd winner of 2005) is great value for his 5Ib claim and that Goose Island 'may now have a crack at a better race.'
The wanderings of the Ballydoyle newcomer, De Laurentiis (5/2 into 6/4), contributed to his defeat in the 1m 4f maiden. This race went by a head to Love City.
Eddie Lynams easy to back filly got up near the finish under Niall McCullagh. The Co. Meath based trainer was registering his 8th win of a campaign in which hes had twenty 2nd placings.
Dancing Sky made all for an easy win in the opening maiden for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen, beating favourite Crown Key by 2L.
