THE Noel C. Duggan Structural Steel 110 Series Final Handicap Hurdle, over two and a half miles, was the feature race at Killarney and it produced a thrilling finish with Arcland (11/1) coming out on top.

Arcland mastered the stronger-travelling Only For Our Man on the run-in, only to face another challenge close home as Jupiter Du Gite rattled home on the rail, but the 10-year-old held on by a nose to claim a fourth career success.

Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell said of his winning 11-year-old: “It’s a lovely pot to win and he’s been a real good horse for the owners (the executors of the late Eugene Blaney).

“These races are a great initiative, and it’s a lovely prize for that level of horse.”

Lips Freedom (5/1 favourite) could be Galway-bound after landing the Kerry Drains Handicap Hurdle over two miles and a furlong.

Repelled challenge

Donagh Meyler sent his mount to the front after the second-last and he repelled the late charge of Midnight Eagle by a length.

“He’s probably well handicapped on his flat form and is starting to come together,” said trainer Andrew Kinirons.

“Donagh was very good on him. He used to be very keen, but he’s starting to settle now.

“I’m delighted for John Rowney (Tinnahinch Construction), he’s a great supporter of ours.

“There is a nice race for him on the Saturday of Galway, it’s kind of the consolation race for the Galway Hurdle.”

It all came down to the final jump in the INCO Broking Maiden Hurdle over two and a half miles, as Early Dawning (2/1) emerged victorious for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

Tyson Fury held a narrow advantage over the son of Authorized riding to the last, but got it all wrong leaving the Turkish-bred hurdling debutant, owned by Michael O’Riordan and Seamus Hennessy, to come home in front by a length and a quarter.

“I thought I was probably getting the better of the argument anyway, maybe that’s what forced the other horse into a mistake,” said Townend.

“It’s a long time since he had a run, and I think he’ll improve away from it.”

Mahler finds a winning Run

BEATEN 15 lengths by Murcia over two miles at Listowel in May, Run For Mahler (12/1) turned around that form over the extra half mile of the Doctor Ivo O’Sullivan Memorial Irish EBF Mares Hurdle.

The Willie Mullins-trained odds-on favourite had looked set for victory when moving to the front after two out, at which point Philip Enright was rowing along in fourth on his mount, but the Top Of The Hill Syndicate’s seven-year-old finished best and led close home to post a half-length verdict.

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said: “We were hoping for a good run, but after the last day it was just hard to say. It’s great to get it, they are lucky owners for me.”

Deserved breakthrough

llltakehimmyself (7/2 joint-favourite) gained a deserved breakthrough victory when landing the first division of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles.

Calum Hogan produced John Battersby’s Jet Away gelding to challenge after the second last and he hit the lead before the final flight to secure a length and a quarter success over Cornaroya Rocco.

“He deserved that. He’s been placed in his last three runs and gone up 7lb,” said trainer Eric McNamara. “He’ll go chasing sooner rather than later.”

The second divide of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle saw Luck Between Us spring a 33/1 surprise under Niall Moore.

The Berkshire gelding moved into contention two out and soon took over to beat Kouer A Prendre by two and three-quarter lengths.

Winning owner/trainer Donnacha Duggan, leading up his six-year-old, explained: “Better ground was a big help and he just needed to brush up a bit on his jumping. He’s a fine big horse and will jump a fence.”

Slattery gets second win on the board

THE Matchbook Exchange 4-y-o Flat Race, over two miles and a furlong, saw Caislean Gear make all the running under Adam Ryan to complete an across-the-cards double for trainer Andy Slattery, who was on the mark at Leopardstown with Loughrea.

The 2/1 favourite, bred in Co Galway by Padraic Connolly, who is one of the Taceec Syndicate, stayed on well to beat Emergency Man by a length and a half.

Assistant trainer Brian Slattery explained: “He was the victim of the ground the last day in Limerick, and it didn’t go according to plan.

“The ground was a lot nicer today and Adam jumped out and kept everything simple.”

Connolly’s first win

With a background in show jumping and eventing and already successful several times in point-to-points, Aine Connolly (20) looked a very polished rider when gaining her first win under rules in the Kate Kearney’s Cottage (Ladies Pro/Am) Flat Race, over two miles and a furlong.

Riding 33/1 chance Farney Bridge for Holycross owner/trainer John Burke, Connolly produced the Casmento gelding to lead a furlong out and he forged clear to beat the Maxine O’Sullivan-partnered Flashy Fred by three and a quarter lengths.

“I’m based in Josh Halley’s full-time,” said Connolly. “A massive thanks to the lads today and a big thanks to Josh Halley, who has been unbelievable to give me opportunities this year on the pointing scene. For that, I’m extremely grateful.

“I had a good time at the eventing and hopefully it stands to me. The two sports complement each other in a lot of ways.”