Quamino (Bryan Cooper, nearside) got the better of Soul Season and James O'Sullivan© Photo Healy Racing
There was a home county 1-2 in the Neville Hotels Novice Handicap Hurdle as the Paul Nolan-trained Quamino led them home in race three at Wexford.
Bryan Cooper did the steering on the German-bred, and on handicap debut he seemed to come forward well for the addition of a tongue-strap.
Thomas James' course specialist, the veteran Soul Season looked like a possible winner when going for his race from before two out.
However, the unexposed Quamino was quick at the last before getting the better of Soul Season by half a length.
"He settled well today and the tongue strap probably made a big difference," reflected Cooper.
"He was running in very good maiden hurdles, and he did it well today.
"He is still a bit green, and is improving the whole time, hopefully there is another one in him.
"The Nolans (not present) had a good week in Cheltenham I'd say. Discorama ran well to finish second in the conditionals race yesterday."
R. Loughran, rider of Theatre World trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jumped deliberate and carried his head high throughout.
The Stewards requested a report from Paul Nolan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Quamino (GER), placed first, as compared with its recent form.
Dan Doyle, authorised representative of the trainer, reported that a combination of a tongue tie and cross noseband for the first time, in what he felt was a lesser race, had brought about the apparent improvement in form.
Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(DM & EM)
