Rebel Fitz and Barry Geraghty on their way to victory at Ballinrobe© Photo Healy Racing
< Rebel Fitz oozed class as he got off the mark over fences with an impressive victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Ballinrobe.
Michael Winters' Galway Hurdle winner was having his second start over the bigger obstacles after filling the runner-up spot at Killarney, and he jumped impeccably all the way.
Barry Geraghty allowed him to surge clear going to the second-last and the only worry for punters who backed the 8-13 favourite was that the jockey eased right down and remarkably only won by half a length from the fast-finishing Leish Oscar
What looked a competitive contest for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Hurdle eventually turned into a two-horse race and it was won in a thrilling finish by the Dessie Hughes-trained Hunting Party
Mark Enright looked to have plenty on his plate as the challengers stacked up, but the 12-1 shot showed plenty of resolution and held the strong bid of Perfect Gentleman by a head when the pair came clear.
Charlie Swan seemed to have found a nice opportunity for Leopardstown bumper winner Tangled Web in the Connacht Telegraph Maiden Hurdle and the JP McManus-owned gelding won readily.
David Casey was always prominent on the 9-4 shot, who led at the second-last and had the race sewn up when a mistake at the final flight gave supporters a brief scare. He picked up again to score by three lengths.< Samantha Jones looked to be going best turning for home in front in the Sheridan Electrical Castlebar Handicap Hurdle, but there wasn't much in the locker when jockey/trainer Denis Hogan attacked on Notimetoserve (6-1) and she was beaten a length and a half.
John Monroe's 2-1 favourite Muzak rallied for Davy Condon after losing the lead in the Hollymount Nursing Home Handicap Chase and held off El Mondo by three-quarters of a length.
