Paul Carberry stole the limelight at the midlands venue when completing an 111 1/2 to 1 treble on Carlesimo, Borora King and Cappaduff.
The reigning champion was seen at his confident best aboard Carlesimo in the Bord Na Mona Black Diamond Novice Hurdle (Division 2). Noel Meade's charge jumped to the front at the penultimate flight, and kept on well to beat Fairwood Heart by four lengths. 'He made a bad mistake three out at Naas last time, but that was good. He will go for another novice, and could run on the Flat,' said Meade.
The Navan handler was also on the mark with Borora King in the three miles T & V Novice Hurdle, leading two out to record a three and a half lengths verdict over Princess Symphony. 'He could be a Grand National horse one day, but will have a break now before going over fences. He jumps brilliantly, and should make a smashing chaser,' said Meade.
Cappaduff rounded off a great evening for Carberry in the D & E McHugh New Holland Finance Handicap Hurdle, with the Leonard Whitmore-trained gelding up with the pace throughout to beat Euro Waddie by two and a half lengths.
Carberry had to settle for the runner-up spot in division one of the Bord Na Mona Black Diamond Novice Hurdle, with Mrs Fairplay proving strongest in the straight to beat The Midge Fox by three lengths. Blue Away caught the eye of the stewards when staying on into fifth place, and Barry Walsh was given a three days suspension (July 3-5) for riding injudiciously. He was also ordered to forfeit his riding fee.
The Bank Of Ireland Handicap Hurdle was the feature event on the card, and Innovative Step took advantage of his light weight to score under Paul Moloney. The seven-year-old gelding led three out, and stayed on gamely in the straight to beat Garvivonnian by two and a half lengths.
'He's given us alot of problems including bursting a blood vessel, but we always knew he had ability. He's a good jumper, and will probably go next for a chase,' said trainer Tom Foley.
Alan Magee
