Pour One More delivers for Motherways at Clonmel 

"It was his first time over hurdles, but he had good runs in bumpers and wasn't beaten too far each time,” said Motherway. “He’s just a slow progressor and I gave him a chance in bumpers as he has plenty of gears. He ran well the first day, not beaten a long way behind John McConnell’s horse (Heads Up) who was second in the Cheltenham Bumper, so that form stacks up well.

"My wife, Linda, and myself own him, and it’s more exciting with the kids here as well, so it’s a great day. And Pebble Bleu ran a nice race in the first."

Patience paid off for Terence O’Brien and the Rebel Deise Syndicate when nine-year-old Ik’s Man got off the mark inside the rails with victory in the Careys Castle Handicap Chase. Building on recent experience over fences and finally realising the potential his trainer always felt he had, he travelled sweetly for John Shinnick and readily left his rivals toiling.

“That was a long time coming, to be honest,” said O’Brien. “They’ve been involved in him for a couple of years and he was placed a few times in those auction maidens. We always thought that when he’d get a jump in front of him, that he’d improve, but he got a leg, unfortunately, and we left him off for a year.

“We came here today as last-chance saloon, and I told the lads that I didn’t have any major confidence in him, that he was doing the same thing at home — he was not any better or worse. But that’s what we kinda thought he might be able to do. He’s off a handy mark and we’ll play away with him. He’s a fun horse.” 

Flidais upset favourite backers when reversing previous form with Ballybrittas in the Kilmanahan Beginners’ Chase. John Ryan’s mare, ridden by Seán O’Keeffe, led going to the last and quickened away from the back of the fence to win with a bit to spare.

There were significant non-runners in the Ballymacarbry Beginners’ Chase and the Willie Mullins-trained Lombron, backed into 1-2 favourite, took full advantage. The winner took a chance at the 10th, but Paul Townend sat tight and thereafter it was a matter of coaxing him home in front of Western Fold.

Declan Queally saddled three runners in the Adare Manor Opportunity Mares’ Maiden Hurdle, and they finished first, second, and fourth, with market leader Rachel’s Secret, ridden by Philip Donovan, coming out on top.

The Daryl Deacon-trained Volez Vous, who returned 66-1 when winning at the last meeting here, followed up at considerably shorter odds when taking the first division of the Glenary Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Philip Donovan.

Denise O’Shea cut a delighted figure after stable favourite Tingarran Express gained a much-deserved second track success by taking an eventful second division of the Glenary Handicap Hurdle.

Marginal leader Tir Og fell at the second-last, bringing down Heidi’s Frontiere, and that left Tingarran Express, who was just a neck down at the time, to race home clear of long-time leader Sharetheknowledge.

“This little woman is very special to me and my family,” said the winning trainer. “She completely deserves this. She won for us last year and was second six or seven times. She wears her heart on her sleeve.

“She can be tricky, and you’d want to know her. The hardest part is getting her from the stable yard, around here (parade ring), and out. She thoroughly deserves it and is owned by fantastic people.” 

Now Athy-based trainer Eddie Power saddled his first winner under his recently acquired restricted licence when Sunny South West justified plenty of support in the Next Race Meeting April 17 Bumper.

Leading with almost a circuit to go, Adam Ryan’s mount had the attention of favourite Doctor Steinberg turning for home but picked up in the style of a smart horse to win by almost three lengths, the pair clear of the remainder.