Colm Murphy may not have Brave Inca to look forward to this season but should have some fun with Megans Joy after she rattled up a five-timer in the EBF Scarvagh House Stud Mares Novice Hurdle at Down Royal yesterday.
The five-year-old has made rapid progress already this term but may not yet have peaked on the evidence of this effortless victory. Given a confident ride by Davy Russell, the 9 to 4 chance took up the running between the final two flights to win by six lengths. Favourite My Valley chased her home, with Ring Hill third.
Noel Meade's Aitmatov ran out a nice winner of the Grade Three Anglo Irish Bank Hurdle.
A race which has produced winners of the quality of Macs Joy, Feathard Lady and Iktitaf in recent years appears to have another high-quality name to add to the roll of honour.
Never far from the pace set by Salford City and Luck's A Lady, Paul Carberry made his move at the second last. Galway Hurdle winner Farmer Brown ran well to claim second, a length and three-quarters adrift of Aitmatov.
Supreme Novices' Hurdle scorer Ebaziyan came with a menacing move at the last under Ruby Walsh but blew up inside the final 100 yards and was pipped for third by Salford City.
The winner was sent off the joint-favourite along with Bobs Pride, who was disappointing.
