Native Jack made a spectacular hurdling debut when trouncing his 17 rivals in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. The dual bumper winner was always travelling strongly under Philip Fenton, and quickly stretched clear before the second last flight to beat Millamolong by an effortless 20 lengths.
'He schooled twice recently at the Curragh, and will be campaigned in novice hurdles this season. I had thought about going chasing this year with him, but that plan is on hold for the moment', said trainer Leslie Young, who added: 'The further he goes the better, and he handles soft ground well'.
Risk Accessor, an above average sort in novice hurdles last term, got his chasing career off to a bright start when justifying favouritism in the EBF Chase. The six-year-old gelding put in a fine round of jumping, and was left clear after Sigma Dotcomm fell at the last to beat the gambled-on Give Over by three and a half lengths.
'I was happy with his jumping considering he has done very little schooling', said trainer Christy Roche afterrwards.
Seamus Fahey has the Leopardstown November Handicap in mind for Millennium Lilly after she notched up 'a hard fought but deserved win' in the Glen Maiden. Jerry O'Dwyer's mount got the better of the Pat Smullen-ridden Bohemian Grove by a neck, leaving the reigning champion still tied with John Murtagh at the head of the Flat jockeys championship.
Chermesina proved a fortunate winnner of the opening Thurles Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, where Doc Morrissey looked sure to land the spoils when holding a clear advantage at the final flight. However the front-runner fell after clipping the top of the hurdle, and Jimmy Mansell's mount stayed on well on the run-in to beat Theres No Doubt by two and a half lengths.
Alan Magee
