Racing NewsThe Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas is still on the cards for The Galway Man following his win in the featured €20,000 John Harney Bookmaker Chase at Clonmel yesterday.
Despite failing to finish on any of his last three starts, The Galway Man was sent off the 11 to 8 favourite but needed a strong drive from Paul Carberry to win by three parts of a length from Be My Better Half.
However, winning trainer Tony Mullins was not overly impressed by his gelding's performance, stating: "I thought he'd win easier and he was a little disappointing."
He added: "Paul said he didn't like the ground and maybe that was the reason for him jumping the last three badly. In my opinion he needs to show some improvement to win from 10st 13lb in the Paddy Power."
Cashmans Bookmakers introduced The Galway Man at 20 to 1 for the Leopardstown race.
Charlie Swan combined with Ruby Walsh to win the opening maiden hurdle with Ingres. The son of Sadler's Wells made all for a length success, despite idling close home.
Swan later indicated that Ingres will be aimed at a winners' race at Limerick over Christmas.
Dessie Hughes, who saddles Hardy Eustace on his seasonal reappearance in the Grade Two Tara Hurdle at Navan on Sunday, was on the mark with Oulart, who won the Ernst & Young Maiden Hurdle.
Hughes later commented: "Oulart stays well and will appreciate three miles. That's my first win for owner Ged Pierce and we'll aim Oulart at a handicap now.
"Regarding Hardy Eustace, Hughes mentioned: "He's in great form but chasing round Solerina may test his fitness, on his first run back."
The Clonmel Beginners' Chase went to father-son combination of Tommy and Philip Carberry with Mr Murchan. The winner chased the leaders before going to the front at the second last, eventually maintaining the gallop for a six-length success over Berkerys Boy.
The older Carberry later stated: "He had schooled well at home and ran well on his last start at Punchestown. He has had a leg problem and we'll wait to see what the handicapper does with him now."
Allez Petit Luis won the BDBC Building Contractors Handicap Hurdle for jockey Alan O'Donohue and trainer Colm Murphy, who was absent, receiving an award for Brave Inca's Cheltenham success in England.
John Codd's Ira Hayes landed the three-mile handicap chase under Conor O'Dwyer.
Codd later said: "The horse either runs a good or bad race. I'd love to get him high enough in the handicap to run him over the Aintree fences at some stage."
Dual point to point winning mare Inch Pride transferred that good form to the track when easily winning the bumper under Derek O'Connor.
Meanwhile, connections of Scots Grey believe the nine-year-old is capable of overcoming an eight-month absence in the £110,000-added bonusprint.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding was last seen in public falling at the Canal Turn in the Topham Trophy at Aintree in April.
Stable jockey Mick Fitzgerald has chosen Henderson's other runner Fondmort, winner of the corresponding race two years ago, leaving Andrew Tinkler to take the ride.
Tinkler rode out his claim with a winner at Ludlow yesterday but will be able to use his 3lb allowance on Saturday as he does not have to meet seasoned professionals on equal terms until Monday.
Fitzgerald's rejection does not worry the owners, who are optimistic that Scots Grey can complete a hat-trick in the race for Henderson following Iris Royal 12 months ago.
Martin Pipe, successful with Northern Starlight (1998) and Fragrant Dawn (1993), is responsible for strong fancy Our Vic.
A leading novice last season, he has not raced since finishing third in the Royal & SunAlliance Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
The 11 to 4 favourite with William Hill will be making his seasonal debut, having missed last month's Paddy Power Gold Cup because of a setback.
