Barry Geraghty continued his good recent run when partnering a double at Clonmel yesterday, highlighted by the very fortunate success of Johnny Brushaside in the featured Bank of Ireland Finance Ltd Novice Chase.
The Noel Meade-trained odds-on shot was booked for third place until the whole complexion of the race changed at the final fence. Brownie Returns and Comkilred, who were vying for the lead, both fell independently at the last to hand the race on a plate to Johnny Brushaside.
Geraghty's tally for the season now stands at 26 as he earlier initiated a double with Mooneys Hill in the B.I.F. Agri Finance Maiden Hurdle.
Stephen Mahon, who recorded a treble at Down Royal on St Patrick's Day, was again on the mark with Due To You in the B.I.F. Truck Finance Handicap Hurdle. The 20 to 1 chance drew clear in the straight under Joey Elliott to beat Native Wit by a convincing six lengths.
Paddy Mullins was also in double form with Athas Liath and Gold-Buck.
Athas Liath made all and held on by a diminishing length from Master Of Illusion in the three mile Surehaul Mercedes Hurdle. The Robbie Walsh-ridden GoldBuck proved an impressive winner of the Surehaul Mercedes Flat Race, drawing right away inside the final quarter mile to score by 13 lengths.
