The ground at Cork yesterday was officially heavy but much to the satisfaction of Christy Roche after he notched up a hat-trick of wins this season on Code Of Honour in the Mallow & District Vintners Race.

Racing went ahead following a 7.30 a.m. inspection, but the heavy rain failed to relent. "It's unbelievable, in great condition, considering the rain," was the reaction of the veteran rider, after he had little difficulty in justifying odds of 1 to 3 on the recent Galway winner. Roche made all on Aidan O'Brien's charge to come home eased down by eight lengths.

The son of El Gran Senor is the lead horse for Juddmonte Stakes-bound Desert King at Ballydoyle and, on returning to the parade ring, Roche said: "That was very easy and to be honest he would do more going down to the start on the gallops at home than he had to do out there today."

The powerful O'Brien team went on to complete a double in the Hickey's Communications Handicap when Ashiions, carrying the colours of the seven-member Black & Red Syndicate, defied top-weight in cheeky fashion under Colm O'Donoghue. Stable-companion, Loquacious, the mount of Christy Roche, trailed in last of the six runners after starting the 9 to 4 favourite.

Tracy Lynagh (23), who works full-time with John Oxx on the Curragh, partnered Sirinndi for her employer to comfortably land the featured P.J. Carroll's Ladies Race, her second win from just three rides.

Sirinndi came from off the pace to collar Inishargy and Lulu Olivefalk at the furlong pole before drawing away to score by three lengths. Jim O'Neill, assistant trainer to the Curragh handler, said: "He's a horse that will stay and appears to act on any ground. He will probably go on to Tralee for the Carling Gold Cup."

Epsom Derby third Romanov is set to reappear in the Petros Rose Of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock Park on Saturday, the colt's trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam announced yesterday. "Romanov is very well and runs on Saturday," said the Manton trainer.