David Ryan, who only took out a training licence last year, opened his account with a bang at yesterday's rescheduled Ballinrobe fixture when saddling a 76 to 1 double with St Barts and Mr Ventura.
St Barts collared the pace-setting Jodesi at the last and kept on well on the run-in for Barry Geraghty to take the Ballinrobe Water Towers EBF Beginners Chase. "He won a point at Dromoland last year and will do better over a longer trip," said the Tuam handler.
Ryan (27) doubled up in the following Ballinrobe Race Committee Maiden Hurdle when Mr Ventura made virtually all under Jason Titley. The Good Thyne gelding eased clear on the home turn to record an impressive victory. "This fellow won a point at Askeaton this year and I think he has a great future over fences. I will probably put him out to grass now for the summer," said Ryan.
Martin O'Toole struck another blow for Galway-based trainers when Wire Man took the Flannerys Bar & Restaurant Handicap. The six-year-old gelding drew clear inside the final furlong under talented claimer Wayne Lordan to score by three lengths.
