Stoneford and Keith Donoghue pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
After recording a treble yesterday, Noel Meade continued his good run of form by taking the opener at Cork, the Mallow Maiden Hurdle, with Stoneford
Placed on his last two starts, the son of Beneficial opened on-course at 15/8, before going off the 13/8 favourite in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud.
Prominent throughout in the chasing pack, the Keith Donoghue (fresh from a double yesterday) ridden seven-year-old travelled strongly to lead before the third last, and he saw it out best from there, going on to score by six lengths.
The front-running Robin The Hare (8/1, was 16s last night) finished second under Katie O'Farrell for John 'Shark' Hanlon, while Double Portrait (12/1) was another twenty-six lengths back in third with Danny Hand aboard for Stephen Mahon.
Ten runners set out for this three mile contest, with just five managing to complete the course in the very testing conditions.
Keith Donoghue said afterwards: "It is very heavy and is hard going. He did it well and is a good stayer but got very idle and was just doing enough.
"He's a grand horse and is a chaser in the making.
"That's my first winner for Noel Meade and I only ever rode once for him, when I was 17. It's good to ride a winner for him because growing up you always watched Paul (Carberry, Meade's stable jockey) riding for Noel and you'd be dreaming about riding for him.
"I've had a great few weeks and had a double yesterday so it's nice to get this as well."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
