Favourite backers enjoyed the best possible start to last night's Wexford fixture as the Edward O'Grady-trained Izmir (1/2), rated 97 on the flat, had little more than an exercise canter when dispensing with Insan Magic by six lengths in the Slaney Maiden Hurdle . Partnered by Barry Geraghty, Izmir will now be prepared for a summer campaign by O'Grady .
The American-bred Forest Festival, trained by Willie Austin in Cloughjordan, sprang a 20/1 surprise under David Casey when forging to the front before the final flight to repel Ephony Lady in the James Brennan Handicap Hurdle .
Odds-on supporters once again got it correct when John Oxx's Paris In The Fall, ridden by Johnny Murtagh, easily dimissed Nonchalent by two and a half lengths in the Kilmore Maiden .
Murtagh then went on to register a treble. Firstly, he guided the Michael Hourigan-trained Near Dunleer to a smooth one and a half lengths success over Star Defector in the Killinick Handicap . Incidentally, this was Murtagh's initial success for Patrickswell-based Hourigan .
Then, he combined with south Kilkenny trainer Aoife Kent to collect the two mile Greenvale Handicap with Karakam . Spoorting the colours of his handler's father Tom, Karakam only touched the front inside the dying strides to deny Delphi .
The Paul Nolan-trained Torduff Boy displayed admirable reserves of tenacity when leading from the fifth last to contain Ballinarrid by one and a half lengths in the Handicap Chase under Kieran Gaule whilst Enniscorthy auctioneer Frank McGuinness' Blazing Missile turned the first heat of the Bumper into a procession .