WHILE Aurora Vega was widely expected to be the star on this seven-race programme, she failed to live up to expectations, with Darragh O’Keeffe stealing the show.

The 24-year-old Co. Cork native registered a 74/1 treble, which was highlighted by the success of the Finbar Hand-trained Ms Agartha Yeats (8/1) in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle.

Just five lined up for this two and a half mile contest and, while Aurora Vega was sent off at the prohibitive odds of 1/10, she weakened quickly on the final circuit and pulled up before four out.

Laravie then took over in front, but was headed by the What A Combination Syndicate-owned victor after two out, with just three-quarters of a length between the pair at the line.

“I could see with a circuit to race that Paul wasn’t happy and obviously, with her being out of it, it opened up things,” O’Keeffe reflected.

“She showed a good attitude and galloped well to the line. I’d say the slower ground helped her.”

Aurora Vega was later examined by the IHRB veterinary officer at the request of the stewards and found to be clinically abnormal post-race.

The other Ger

Opening the account of East Cork trainer Ger O’Leary, O’Keeffe guided the well-backed Empire Succes (4/1 from 18s early) to victory in the Remembering Bridget Hillis Maiden Hurdle.

A half-brother to dual Grade 1 winner Balder Succes, the Broadfield Group Syndicate-owned bay made all and found plenty for pressure in the straight, holding off the never nearer Rue Taylor by a length and a half.

“I’m another Ger O’Leary and I have a bit of catching up to do on the other lad!” the winning handler joked.

“I rode a point-to-point winner and trained one as well and, while it was a hobby more than anything, I’m taking it a bit more serious these days.

“He was in great form at home and I knew the step up in trip would play to his strengths.

“He looked to be really enjoying himself out in front and I’m delighted.”

O’Keeffe had earlier teamed up with boss Henry de Bromhead when partnering Basil Holian’s Jasko Des Dames (4/6 favourite) to victory in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase.

On what was his debut over the larger obstacles, the French-bred five-year-old made virtually all and needed to be ridden out in the closing stages to hold off the effort of An Peann Dearg by half a length.

Robbie Power, representing de Bromhead, said: “His schooling at home had been very good and Darragh was happy to pop away in front if there was no pace. He jumped super.”

WHILE the feature Jim And Kay Whitty Memorial Handicap Chase looked a competitive affair on paper, it was ultimately won in convincing fashion by Ray Cody’s Watch The Weather (4/1 from 15/2).

Registering his first win over fences, the Sean Connors-owned eight-year-old was given a patient ride by Danny Gilligan.

Travelling well in second on the approach to the straight, the Kayf Tara bay soon improved into a share of the lead and gained an outright advantage after two out, stretching clear on the run-in to win by six-lengths.

“The plan was to run him yesterday at Galway, but it would have been a waste of time on yielding to soft,” Cody divulged.

“Even today, I was a little bit worried would the yielding ground be quick enough for him. He is a good horse when things go right.”

Another Co Kilkenny-based handler was on the mark in the Slaney View Honda Handicap Hurdle, with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Duke Silver taking this 14-runner heat.

Owned and bred by O’Brien’s sister Sarah, the Order Of St George four-year-old was returned the clear favourite at 13/8.

Travelling nicely from three out, the Paul Townend-ridden victor improved to lead entering the straight and, while not fluent at the last, he kept on well when ridden, holding off the effort of Onefortheditch by a length and a half.

“He ran around a bit and done it the last day as well.

“You’d think someone would know that and not get to the front turning in here, but he just landed me there,” Townend, who was partnering his first winner for O’Brien, disclosed.

ANDY Slattery has high hopes for Fleur In The Park, following his impressive victory in the Boylesports Best Odds Guaranteed Maiden Hurdle.

On what was his debut over flights, the 11/10 favourite made virtually all under Cian Quirke.

Carrying the colours of Margaret O’Rourke, the Walk In The Park bay only needed to be nudged out on the run-in to see off the game effort of Taponthego by a length and a half.

“He is going for the Monksfield at Navan, so we had to get a run into him and that will bring out loads of improvement,” winning trainer Andy Slattery enthused.

A step up in class also beckons for Glens Lullaby, after she easily dismissed six rivals in the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race. Out of dual Grade 1 winner Glens Melody, the Peter Fahey-trained five-year-old was returned the 10/11 favourite under Finian Maguire.

Owned and bred by Fiona McStay and in a share of the lead early on, the market leader gained an outright advantage after four furlongs.

She maintained that advantage for the remainder of the contest and kept on well when ridden from the furlong pole, coming home 13 lengths to the good.

“I overfaced her a little bit last season, but I have no doubt that she will be a blacktype filly over hurdles, she is beautifully bred,” Fahey remarked.