NATALIA Lupini had a good night at the office at Dundalk last Friday, when saddling a double on the card.

The Pipeman was the most impressive winner of the evening when taking the Irish EBF Median Sire Series Maiden by a wide margin.

Joey Sheridan led over a furlong from home on the 8/1 shot and he scooted clear to post a comprehensive eight-length success in the colours of Condron Concrete Ltd.

Lupini said afterwards: “He’s improved a lot after being gelded, it settled his head. Joey gave him a lovely ride, kept in simple, and he said he was very strong at the line.

“The last time here was his first run after being gelded and he probably needed the run. He was straight forward today, no issues, and it’s great to have him.”

There was an enquiry into an incident on the bend involving Thumama Glory, ridden by Adam Caffrey, and Con Artist, ridden by Adam Browne-Souza, where it appeared Con Artist clipped a heel.

Adam Caffrey was found in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his record (third offence), the Raceday stewards suspended him for eight race days.

Back to form

The Craigavon handler struck again in the Bar 1 Betting Handicap over a mile, when Hellorhighwater ran out a game winner.

Ben Coen was in the plate this time and got a good tune from the 10/3 shot to get on top late on and beat Exquisite Acclaim by a length and a quarter.

“It’s great to have him back. He suffered a little puncture wound when he won at Limerick,” said Lupini.

“We were very happy with him at home and thought he would have a chance today. It was a very competitive race and I’m glad he has come back to form.”

’Very talented horse’

Coen went on to complete his own double in the concluding mile-and-a-half handicap on Fixation. The Johnny Murtagh-trained gelding went to post 11/8 favourite and ran out a convincing winner.

Coen led early in the straight and, despite drifting right a furlong out, the Tamayuz gelding was always in control as he posted a length-and-a-half win over Quatre Bras.

“He’s a very talented horse. I was a bit disappointed with him on Champions Weekend, but the ground was a bit dead and it felt like it just took his turn of foot away from him,” said Coen.

“There was never a moment’s doubt today and it was very straightforward. He’ll be a fun horse and I think you could travel with him, he handles quick ground.”

DONNER Dancer made a winning debut in the opener, when striking at 50/1 for trainer Robson de Aguiar.

Patrick McGettigan produced the daughter of In Swoop to challenge inside the final furlong and she got the better of Sonic Sabiha late on to score by a neck.

The stewards had a look after contact between the pair, but the result stood.

McGettigan, in the colours of Andrea Kennedy, said: “Robson was full of confidence in her. She’s obviously by a National Hunt stallion, so we knew she’d stay.

“It was just a matter of getting her into her stride, and getting her flowing, as we knew she’d come home well.”

Assertive success

In A Hurry was another for the bookies when taking the first division of the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap at 28/1.

Rory Cleary delivered the Keith Clarke-trained filly to lead over a furlong from home and she soon asserted to post a two-and-a-quarter-length win.

“Rory did all the work on her and he was very keen on her,” said Clarke. “She ran a bit too keen last time, she had a bit too much daylight. She’s a nice filly and I think there is a bit more to come from her.

“I’m chuffed for Alistair (Porter), he’s with me a long time. It’s a while since he had a winner and God does he let me know about that!”

Harry still learning

In the second division of the race, Send Harry struck for Killenaule handler Evanna McCutcheon.

Adam Browne-Souza got a good tune from the 10/3 shot, leading over a furlong out for a three-parts-of-a-length victory over Coasting.

“He’s a good, honest, horse and he’s still learning, even at the age of four,” said McCutcheon.

“He loves the surface here and, at least when you come here, you get a ground description and you know it’s right.

“He’s won here before and it’s good for the (Golden Brown) syndicate to have a fun horse, unfortunately a couple of them couldn’t be here today, but they might venture back again.”

STORM Eric registered his fourth success at the venue for Jamie Flynn when taking the 10-furlong apprentice handicap. Adam Grant led over a furlong from home on the 6/1 shot and he kept on gamely to see off Star Mind by a neck.

“He’s a tough horse. He turns up every week and tries his best,” said Flynn.

“He’s been the bridesmaid most of the times he’s come here and it’s great that he’s got his turn. That’s four he’s won here and he’s been second about nine times. It’s great that he’s won and I’m delighted.”

Blue strikes gold

Serenity Blue was successful on his first visit to the venue when taking the 0-80 handicap over a mile and a half.

Reese Holohan led passing the furlong pole on the 10/3 shot and he was nicely on top at the line, scoring by three and a quarter lengths over front-runner Cooley’s Mist.

Trainer Ado McGuinness said afterwards: “Total Recall [owners] are with me since I started and we’ve had a lot of success together.

“We bought this lad as a nice fun horse for the winter. I’d say he’ll jump a hurdle next summer as well, so we’ve plenty to look forward to.”