Review clonmel 8th Mar

The Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase carried the most prize money on a typically competitive Clonmel card and Caduceus (14/1) ran out a decisive winner.

Pat Hughes' gelding travelled with ease throughout and put the race to bed when jumping to the front two out, going on to land the spoils by four and a half lengths.< Beef To The Heels arrived holding an entry for the Martin Pipe race at Cheltenham next week but plans were firmly halted when Gordon Elliott's charge failed to justify cramped odds in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F Maiden Hurdle.

The gelding again fell short when push came to shove and was forced to settle for fifth behind the patiently-ridden Dangan Daylight (8/1).

Colm Murphy's mare appeared to win with something up his sleeve and, although Willie Mullins' Bowfinger could only manage fourth, the champion trainer soon had something to shout about when Primroseandblue (9/4) landed the Lisronagh Maiden Hurdle in impressive style.

Favourite-backers were again ruing their luck when the long-time leader Narima failed to get home in the Carrick-On-Suir Mares Handicap Hurdle, in which Knockmehill Lady s supporters will have been counting their cash turning for home.

A renewed effort from Pretty Happy meant she was ultimately forced to work hard for her victory but the seven-year-old found extra close home to in as a 7/2 chance.

Head-bobbing finishes were the order of the day and, in the Comeragh Handicap Hurdle, it was the turn of Letterlee Star (8/1) and Dr Proctor

The Michael McDonagh-trained former travelled well into the race and responded to an all-out Paul Townend ride to score by a head.

In the Slievenamon Beginners Chase, bookmakers finally paid out on a favourite when Ross Na Righ (11-8) was left in front at the last, while even-money market leader Five Point Plan landed the Ardfinnan Flat Race.