Pat Hughes' stable has shown signs of a return to form in recent weeks, and Gemini Guest gave further weight to that view when taking the featured novice hurdle at Sligo's opening meetting of 2003.
The seven-year-old gelding, reappearing after a five month lay-off, drew clear after Lorraine's Pride blundered at the last to score by eight lengths. 'Alot of the horses have been knocking on the door over the winter but just not getting their heads in front. A number of them have had little knocks and problems and, on top of all that, I lost three horses including Billy The Snake in a fire at the stables,' said Hughes, who added, 'This horse always seems to be better fresh.'
Ruby Walsh followed on from his big race success at Sandown on Saturday with a forceful display aboard State Power in the two miles handicap hurdle. The well-backed 6/4 favourite appeared to have little chance when driven along before two out but stayed on gamely, after jumping the last in fourth place, to beat Wonder Bell by two lengths.
Garrett Cotter was taken to hospital for examination after Ned Copper fell heavily when leading at the second last in this race. Cotter was conscious after the tumble but was his neck was put in a brace as a precaution.
David Ryan is looking forward to sending One Four Shannon chasing later this year after the six-year-old took the two and a half miles handicap hurdle. 'He won a point-to-point by a distance but has taken a while to get his act together on the track. He could go for a three miles handicap at Punchestown next Saturday.'
The racecourse was in notably good condition following an extensive drainage programme, costing in the region of 125,000 euro, which was completed last September. Another welcome initiative is the sponsoring for the entire year of the stable canteen and the weigh-room cafi by the locally based Union Food & Drink Distributors.
Alan Magee
