Racing: Aran Concerto further enhanced his reputation when coming out on top in a thrilling finish to the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse this afternoon, confirming trainer Noel Meade's opinion the eight-year-old might be the best horse he has ever trained.
After winning twice in Grade One company over hurdles, Meade was forced to spend some 20 months on the sidelines with injury.
He made the tentative first steps back with a comfortable chasing debut success at Navan back in November, and was a 7-2 chance to make a winning return to the highest level.
The Zaffaran gelding was settled towards the rear by Paul Carberry but some fine leaps down the back straight ensured he was on the heels of the leaders turning for home.
Long-time leader Deutschland was still in front approaching the final fence but Aran Concerto jumped up to join him and after a titanic tussle on the run-in, Meade’s charge was a short head to the good at the line.
Barker stayed on to fill the runner-up spot, with Deutschland a creditable third.
William Hill make the winner 50-1 for next year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup but immediate plans appear on hold.
Meade said: “He’s a hell of horse to do what he did on his second run back and after a long lay-off, but unfortunately he seems to have finished lame.
“It just goes to show the potential he has if we get a chance to train him. It was the plan to go to Punchestown but obviously we’ll just have to wait and see now.”
Meade added later: “He’s quite stiff but he’s not as bad as we first thought immediately after the race.”
Ruby Walsh delighted punters as he galvanised hot favourite Kempes to win the Grade Two Rathbarry & Glenview Studs Novice Hurdle for Willie Mullins.
Last seen finishing down the field in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham, the 13-8 chance travelled strongly throughout the two-mile contest and found plenty for pressure to score by two lengths from Dundrum.
Mullins said: “He loved that ground and it was great he got his jumping together today.
“I thought Dundrum had stolen it turning for home but once Ruby switched out he quickened up nicely. We’ll keep him to the minimum trip and head to Punchestown.”
Kempes is a 33-1 chance with Cashmans to win next year’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Mullins and Walsh went on to complete a double as Uimhiraceathair scythed through the field to win the INH Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Handicap Hurdle with his head in his chest.
Mullins added: “I’ve been running him on the wrong ground all year. His pedigree suggests he’s a soft ground horse but this trip and the better ground have brought out the best in him.
“I’m looking forward to go chasing with him next season.”
Dessie Hughes also got the Easter Festival off to a fantastic start with Shirley Casper’s victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle the highlight of a double on the card for him..
Sent off at 8-1 in the hands of Barry Geraghty, the eight-year-old tracked Itsallaracket into the straight and careered away to score by three lengths from Alpine Glade.
Hughes said: “We’re lucky to have her and she’s a really good mare. We’ve always thought this was her ground, she won on decent ground at Leopardstown and again here today so hopefully we’ll get decent ground when she goes to Punchestown next.”
Her stablemate Sarteano held the late rally of Jewel Of The West to take top honours in the opening Lexeme Retail Novice Handicap Hurdle.
Hughes said of the 25-1 shot: “He was a decent horse on the Flat in Germany. He won his maiden well up in the North (Down Royal) but then he went wrong on us.
“He had lung problems but he has been back to himself the last six weeks and it’s a great start to the week.”