Dorans Pride achieved another milestone in a memorable career when capturing his fourth successive Morris Oil Chase at Clonmel yesterday.
The veteran, racing for the third weekend in a row, was confidently ridden by trainer Michael Hourigan's son Paul and had a comfortable 2 1/2 lengths to spare over 25 to 1 shot Clash Of The Gales at the line.
"Hopefully we'll be back next year to try for a fifth" said the winning trainer, indicating that his stable star is a possible for next Sunday's Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
High-class hurdler Balla Sola got no further than the fourth fence on his debut over the larger obstacles in the EBF Beginners' Chase.
The five-year-old appeared unscathed afterwards, and Merchants Fried took full advantage of his departure to beat The King's Doctor on the line in an exciting finish.
Cronin's Boy atoned for a narrow defeat last weekend with a facile success in the Morris Oil Home Heat handicap hurdle.
On Saturday Noel Meade was the man to follow at a cold and windy Naas as he rattled off a fabulous four-timer.
The trainer was quickly into his stride as Harbour Pilot comfortably took the opening INH Stallion Owners Maiden Hurdle under Barry Geraghty, and Native Dara (Jason Titley) made it two in the EBF Beginners' Chase.
Geraghty was back in the plate as the much-improved Michael Mor recorded his fourth victory of the campaign in the Weatherbys Ireland Handicap Hurdle to give both trainer and rider their third of the afternoon.
The champion jockey had earlier scored on To Your Honour in the featured Woodlands Park 100 Poplar Square Chase.
Francis Flood's charge showed the benefit of a recent outing at Down Royal as he contained the flattering Go Roger Go by four lengths and will probably head next for the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.
Impressive newcomer Native Sessions completed the Meade quartet when putting favourite Silver Steel firmly in his place in the Go Racing In Kildare Flat Race.
Elsewhere on the card, Ned Kelly continued his education over obstacles with a comfortable 4 1/2-length triumph in the Ardmore Blood Booster Hurdle.
Trainer Edward O'Grady said of the half-brother to Nick Dundee: "That was fine, and his jumping can only improve when he gets a faster pace. The Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse next weekend is a possibility, but we'll more likely wait until Leopardstown at Christmas."
