The withdrawal of Mantles Prince due to "ground conditions" just 12 minutes before the TBD Handicap Hurdle proved the main talking point at a wet Galway yesterday.
The absence of the topweight left stable companion Topacio with just one other rival in the handicap proper, but cost connections a hefty fine. The withdrawal came too late to implement an alternative handicap and, because of the timing, the stewards decided to impose a fine of £1,500.
Topacio was installed 11 to 8 favourite in the five-runner stamina test but could find no extra after two out as Hasty Native stayed on bravely to hold off The Quads. "She stays all day and may go next for the Woodlands Park 100 Brown Lad Handicap Hurdle," said trainer Willie Mullins.
Bobbyjo made his seasonal debut in the Irish Independent Handicap Chase. However, the concession of lumps of weight all-round proved too much for the 1999 Martell Grand National winner, who jumped soundly in rear.
Victory went to the Barry Geragthy-ridden Fiddlers Tune who overcame a nine-month absence to beat River Cora by two lengths. "He handles that ground well and we will will think about staying handicaps like the Troytown and the Paddy Power," said trainer Michael Cunningham.
Geraghty had earlier initiated a double aboard Carmelite in the Mercer Hotel Novice Hurdle, leading over half a mile out and eased down on the run-in to beat Mr Counterpoint by 10 lengths.
