SENT off the even-money favourite, Shellrunforbriggs got off the mark on her third start over fences when outclassing her rivals in the Cooke’s Bar And Restaurant Caragh Beginners’ Chase over two and a half miles.

The Harzand mare, a dual winner over hurdles, tracked the leaders under Darragh O’Keeffe and jumped to the front two out before readily going clear to beat Warriors Wood by eight and a half lengths.

Winning trainer Michael Winters said: “She’s a good mare, she’s big and scopey. In fairness to these small tracks around the country, they do a great job and we’re delighted to be able to come up. My career is shoving on a bit now and we’re lucky to come across a mare like her.

“I told the boys (Going Stone Mad Syndicate) that we’ll surely be heading for some kind of a race in the likes of Cheltenham, in maybe December. She has the scope to do it anyway, her jumping is something else.”

Just holding on

Faceman (6/1) just held on at the line under Brian Hayes to land the spoils in the Winning Post Service Station Handicap Hurdle for trainer David Harry Kelly.

Bred and owned by John Bowe, the Vendangeur gelding out of Solerina was to the fore throughout in the three-miler and was a clear leader away from the second-last.

He was strongly pressed in the closing stages, however, and only had a neck to spare at the line as Mystic Malina finished off strongly.

“It was a toss of a coin whether we’d go for this or the chase today,” said Kelly. “He was unlucky to fall in Tramore. He was jumping great, but just reached for a fence and it was one of those things.

“We wanted to see where we were, if we had improved over hurdles. This family improves with time and you don’t really know at home as he only shows x amount. I’d say he’ll mix and match it during the summer.”

Surprise

Figero (20/1) sprang a surprise under Michael Kenneally in the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle over just short of two miles.

The Hillstar gelding, bred by owners Peter and Sandra McCarthy, hadn’t shown much in three previous starts. He took over in front on the long run between the final two flights and saw off Codger’s Rock by half a length.

Winning trainer Tom Mullins said: “He ran disappointing in two bumpers but he doesn’t like soft ground, he’s a summer horse. He’s jumped brilliantly. I’d say the ground was the whole thing for him and he won’t be running in the winter again.

“I’d say that’s as far as he wants, two miles. We’ll maybe look for a novice now and I think he’ll win a mile and a half maiden on the flat. We’ll celebrate this first and then see what happens.”

MALBAY Madness (7/1) got up close home to repeat last year’s success in the Bomag Construction Handicap Hurdle over just short of two miles. Paddy O’Hanlon’s mount grabbed Metamorpheus late on to score by three-parts of a length for owner Mrs J. P. Duffy.

“He’s after winning three here now, and we’ll have to keep bringing him back,” said trainer Dermot McLoughlin. “I’m delighted for Paddy, as he got a bad injury last year in America and missed four months.”

Sent off 4/1 for his debut in the CK Interiors Maiden Hurdle over two and a quarter miles, Look Sport finished well to score in the hands of Sean O’Keeffe.

The hooded son of No Risk At All was ridden in fourth on the approach to the last and came over the top of his rivals on the run-in to score by two and three-quarter lengths from Facile Ocean.

Trainer Paul Nolan, who owns the five-year-old himself, said: “He’s a nice horse and we might get to sell him now. For a horse that didn’t handle the track and didn’t look a likely winner, he’s won snug enough at the line. He seems a horse that if we step him up in trip, it won’t be any harm, as long as he settles.”

Littlefoot shows his big heart

LITTLEFOOT (11/1) made it two wins from three starts over fences when taking the Shanette Superior Space Handicap Chase over two and a half miles.

The Kalanisi gelding collared Milan Forth on the run-in to post a half-length success with Donagh Meyler on board in the colours of the Littlefoot Partnership.

Winning trainer Mark Molloy said: “I’m delighted with the little man, he’s all heart and guts. He was flat to the mat but his jumping kept him in it.

“He’s a small little horse, but wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s owned by a group of friends based in America and over here and he’s been great fun for everyone. He’s always liked a bit of nicer ground. We’ll think about stepping him up in trip somewhere along the way.”

Late swoop

Willie and Patrick Mullins were bidding for a fifth straight bumper winner in the finale over an extended two and a quarter miles, but favourite World As One could manage only fourth as Little Ginger (12/1) swooped late under Cal Shine to take the prize.

Pushed along behind the leaders two furlongs out, the Crystal Ocean gelding was soon switched to the outer and led 50 yards out to beat Tea Biscuit by a length and a quarter.

Winning trainer James Fahey said “He’s not over-big but he’s improving the whole time. We’ll see now if Frank [Reynolds] sells him or keeps him, he’s a nice little one to have. He battled well and I’m delighted. We should have plenty of fun with him.”