< Citizen Vic got favourite-backers off to a flyer when landing the opening Western People Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.
Second at Cork on his timber debut, the 4-9 market leader made no mistake this time and was allowed to dictate terms to suit himself under Ruby Walsh, who didn't have to get too serious to steer the Willie Mullins-trained runner across the line eight lengths clear of Rockfield Fox
The McGrath Quarry Group Hurdle lost some of its lustre with the withdrawal of Citizen Vic's stablemate Apt Approach, but still threw up a smart prospect in the shape of Beneath The Radar (4-5).
Another winner for those who weren't afraid to take odds-on, Dessie Hughes' seven-year-old cruised alongside chief market rival Clarkey turning into the home straight and hardly had to break sweat to register a three-and-a-half-length verdict.
Emmett Mullins was seen to good effect when producing Glitter Baby with a well-timed challenge in the John Monroe Haulage Handicap Hurdle.< Aerlite Rooler appeared to have the prize in the bag when taking it up after jumping the last, but Mullins conjured a rare rattle out of the 6-1 chance and she flew home to get up by a head.< Alfa Beat was originally only first reserve for the Ba Morley Memorial Handicap Hurdle, but got a run and seized the initiative after a prolonged duel with 14-year-old Willoughby Joe
The pair had it between themselves from some way out, but Alfa Beat stayed on best to score by a length and three-quarters as the well-supported 3-1 favourite.< Mystical Breeze (11-2) led two out in the Roundfort Stores Beginners Chase and although he made a mistake at the obstacle, he had enough left in the tank to open his account over fences, and Michael Hourigan's charge kept going to beat Rock Diplomat by two and a half lengths.
© www.irish-racing.com
