Clear championship leader Paul Carberry is likely to miss out on this weekend's action after aggravating a thumb injury when partnering Rathgar Beau to take the latest leg of the Irish National Hunt Novice Hurdle Series.
The Meathman, who dislocated the thumb at the Leopardstown Christmas meeting, had a relatively easy time on the Eamonn Sheehy-trained gelding who quickened up nicely before the final flight to beat Native Jack by a length and a half. However Carberry was in some pain afterwards, and gave up his remaining ride at the meeting. He may wait until next week in order to give the injury time to heal.
Rathgar Beau is owned by an enthusiastic Dublin syndicate, and will line-up for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. 'I don't think he is quite good enough for Cheltenham, but the lads all want to go,' said Sheehy, who added, 'He is entered for the Pierse Hurdle, but lacks the experience for a competitive handicap and is more likely to go for another novice.' Cashmans cut Rathgar Beau to 20/1 (from 25's) for Cheltenham Festival opener.
Ruby Walsh completed a quick double when successful aboard the Willie Mullins-trained pair Boneyarrow and Scolardy. Boneyarrow justified odds-on support in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle, leading three out and drawing clear to beat Hollygrove Native by 11 lengths. Mullins nominated the final of the EBF Series as a possible target, while the same combination teamed up half-an-hour later to land the Heineken W T O'Grady Memorial Hurdle with Scolardy.
Scolardy stretched clear of market-rival Emperors Guest approaching the last to score by 14 lengths. 'He will be entered for the Triumph Hurdle, but I would prefer to wait for the race at Punchestown (IAWS Champion 4YO Hurdle),' said Mullins afterwards.
Alan Magee
