Down Royal played host to a monster gamble on Saturday when Bracing Breeze, supported from 25 to 1 down to 11 to 2, duly obliged in the hands of Ruby Walsh in the James Nicholson Beginners Chase.
"It was none of my money as I don't back them - It was that man," remarked winning handler Gerry Stack, pointing over to owner Duncan McGregor of Newtown Lodge Stud in Kildare.
Walsh (19), who sent the eight-year-old past front-running Verywell after the third last before bringing his charge home eased down by 13 lengths, was recording his 21st success of the season.
Michael Halford and John Hayden shared the training honours with a double apiece. Halford, attending the Curragh, missed out on his first career-double sparked off when Ray Of Light initiated a brace for Fran Berry in the seven furlong maiden before Berry went on to partner Ballymote to justify favouritism in the Maze Handicap.
Miss Chiquita, carrying the colours of Dublin fruit importer Joe Keeling, and Paul Scallan combined to ignite the Hayden double in the Claiming Race before Pat Kelly aboard Donnybrook Fair foiled the gambled-on Wonder Will He (5 to 1 - 6 to 4) in the bumper.
