Paul Carberry made a welcome return to action at Kilbeggan yesterday evening, and the champion made his mark when successful on his only two rides aboard the Noel Meade-trained pair Mac Three and Snob Wells.
On the sidelines for over six weeks with a shoulder muscle injury, Carberry sent Mac Three to the front after two out in the three miles maiden hurdle before stretching clear in the straight for an easy eight lengths victory over Lord Ajus. 'It's great for Paul, and he still knows where the winning post is,' said Meade, before adding, 'this fella appreciated the cut in the ground and wants three miles, although he's still quite immature.'
Carberry had to work a bit harder on Snob Wells in the handicap hurdle, steadily reeling in Model Son to touch down in front after the last for a two length success. 'We were thinking of selling him to go point-to-pointing but he'll stay with us now. He's got a puncture wound on his shin, and it must be doubtful now whether he will run at Cork on Sunday,' said Meade.
Andrew McNamara was taken to hospital for observation following a heavy fall from Hunters Bar at the fifth last in this race. The talented claimer was earlier seen to good effect on She's So Dainty in the mares novice hurdle, leading before three out to beat Zarenas Treasure by two and a half lengths. 'I told previous jockeys to keep her up with the pace but for one reason or another they didn't. She's small but tough and Andrew rode her to perfection,' said Donal Coffey, who has four in training near Midleton.
Clear championship leader Ruby Walsh gave The Husheen a very patient ride in the beginners chase, and the tactics paid off as Martin Brassil's charge led before the last for a comfortable win. 'Thank god for Kilbeggan!' was Brassils' reaction, referring to his previous run of success at the track with Barrack Buster.
Tom Ryan was seen to good effect aboard Bloomin Archie in the handicap chase, jumping well up with the pace and staying on strongly from two out to beat Gale Star by three and a half lengths.
Doors To Manual overcame a seven months lay-off to land the two miles maiden hurdle, with Conor O'Dwyer's mount getting the better of Time To Roam on the short run-in to score by half a length.
Alan Magee
