Dessie Hughes claimed the feature Boylesports Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles for the third successive year as Giantofaman made every yard of the running under a well-judged ride from Paul Carberry.
Hughes saddled talented performers Lyreen Legend and Bright New Dawn to take the last two renewals of the Grade Two contest, but his latest candidate appeared to have his work cut out against Willie Mullins-trained 5/6 favourite Urano.
Giantofaman was soon adopting his customary front-running role, but appeared a sitting duck when the pack closed up to mount a challenge from the home turn.
However, Carberry had clearly left something in the tank as the 7/1 shot opened again once asked to lengthen and winged the final flight to seal an eight-length triumph. Gallant Tipp filled the runner-up spot, with the disappointing Urano finding little for pressure and coming home in sixth place.
Hughes said: “He jumped great for Paul. He’s improved. “He goes well in front, though you could probably ride him any way now. “There are plenty of novice races for him at Fairyhouse and Punchestown.”
Ballycahill Beginners Chase winner Cadspeed was the one shining light on an otherwise disappointing afternoon for Mullins and stable jockey Ruby Walsh.
Sent off a 2/1 favourite to break his duck over fences at the 15th attempt, the 11-year-old did so by two and a quarter lengths from Milan Breeze. Mullins said: “I have to compliment the owners for their patience and the trainer has eventually got the trip right.
“On his home work he’s a two-mile to two-and-a-half-mile horse, but he looked a real stayer there (over three miles).”
The champion trainer’s Rupert Lamb was an 8/11 favourite for the Boylesports Rated Chase, but tipped up two fences from home when still holding every chance.
Victory went to Jimmy Mangan’s 6/1 shot Letter Of Credit, ridden by Phillip Enright. Mangan said: “If you’re not in you can’t win! Really beforehand I was settling for the third prize-money.
“In fairness though, his jumping has picked up a good bit. He’s well handicapped over hurdles and we may go for a three-mile handicap now.”
Enright had earlier scored on Robert Tyner-trained 11/4 favourite Way Up In The Air, who galloped her rivals silly in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.
Tyner said: “She was entitled to do that. She was probably outclassed in Leopardstown (when pulled up in the Boylesports.com Hurdle).
“She’s a big mare and she jumps fences very well.”
Mullins’ three-time bumper winner Shesafoxylady was a 4/9 favourite for the Killinan Maiden Hurdle, but could only finish fourth behind 7/1 winner Let’s Celebrate.
Winning trainer Mouse Morris said: “He’s had a few problems and he’s a real chasing type of horse.”
Jane Mangan guided Liz Doyle’s 5/4 favourite Snowell to a narrow verdict in the Tipperary (Lady Riders) Handicap Hurdle.
The concluding bumper went to Philip Fenton’s 13/8 favourite Whisper Rock.
