Marigold surprised trainer Willie Mullins when scooping the featured Guinness Extra Stout Handicap, with Niall McCullagh driving the French import up in the dying strides to take the e60,000 event.
The Carlow handler was in two minds whether to run the four-year-old filly after she scoped badly earlier this week, but the decision to run proved correct as she finished strongly on the outer to touch off Hat Or Halo and Millstreet by a head and half a length.
'Niall gave her a lovely ride, although I'm not too popular as I told everybody not to back her. She was bought as a dual purpose filly, and will eventually be retired for breeding,' said Mullins.
Mullins' younger brother Tony was also on the mark when saddling Penny Farthing to take the Budweiser Q.R. Handicap Hurdle. Pa Murphy, who had his claim reduced from 7lb to 5lb after partnering his 15th career victory here, sent the filly clear after two out to beat Sheer Martina by a comfortable two lengths, and the successful trainer commented afterwards: 'She probably just needed the run here on Wednesday.'
The Tony O'Malley Memorial Handicap Chase provided a great spectacle for the large crowd, and Donadino came out best in a tight finish. Dante's Battle made a bold bid to make all under Barry Geraghty, but weakened on the long run-in as David Casey got Donadino up in the closing stages to deny Carina Bay by a neck.
Revue looked sure to land the Smithwicks Maiden when cruising up to join the leaders off the home bend. However Pat Smullen's mount didn't find anything like that expected when asked for an effort in the straight, and Sadinga stayed on tenaciously for Kevin Manning to prevail by three quarters of a length.
Favourite backers finally got back on track when Heemanela, well supported from 5/1 to 7/2, benefitted from a strong ride by John Murtagh to beat Common Venture by a length in the Harp Lager Handicap.
The former champion later followed up in the concluding Guinness Extra Cold Race, where Dibiya was patiently ridden to lead in the straight for a three and a half lengths victory over Secret Native.
'She needs constant physio treatment on her back, and the plan is to try and get her some black type,' said John Oxx's assistant Jimmy O'Neill.
The Tattersalls Breeders Stakes at the Curragh later this month is on the agenda for Lady Corduff, who was prominent throughout under Wayne Lordan in the Carlsberg Maiden before holding off Redante by a length.
Alan Magee
