Triumphant return for Rachael Blackmore as she wins on first ride since Gold Cup

Saturday: Thurles

Gold Cup winning rider Rachael Blackmore came to Thurles for one ride and predictably was the centre of attention after her Cheltenham exploits on Friday, and the focus did not exactly diminish after she partnered Gentlemansgame to a dominant victory from the front in the 2m7f conditions hurdle.

The son of Gentlewave had all his rivals in trouble when Blackmore kicked him on after the third-last and in the end he was a bit of value for his eight-and-a-half-length victory over main market rival Unexpected Depth.

Blackmore may have stolen the limelight, but this was a welcome day in the sun for trainer Mouse Morris, who had a double, in turn doubling his tally of winners for the season from two to four.

Rachael Blackmore delivers sublime Cheltenham Gold Cup ride on A Plus Tard

The winner had the form in the book too, having finished second to Galopin Des Champs in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Punchestown last year, and Morris has high hopes for him when he jumps a fence next season.

He said: "That was much better today than either of his runs this season. Rachael gave him a lovely ride. He loves that ground. He got injured and was off for six or seven weeks but it was straightforward and we're just waiting for him to jump fences next season. He'll run again this season, but we have no big plans for him until he jumps a fence."

Dynamite gets Morris off to an explosive start

The double for Mouse Morris and owners Robcour was initiated when the imposing French Dynamite pulled out all the stops to land the feature Grade 3 Pierce Molony Memorial Novice Chase under Darragh O'Keeffe.

The French-bred was nothing if not game in seeing off the persistent challenge of 4-11 favourite Ciel De Neige to prevail by a nose.

Morris commented: "It's nice to see him back, that ground suits him well. I know he stayed on well there but I think he might be better over two miles, maybe on a stiff track. Darragh gave him a lovely ride and he got him jumping well."

Asked about what has been a mostly forgettable season, Morris added: "The horses have been running well, but they have been hitting the crossbar, and unfortunately they're mostly moderate. I ran two at Cheltenham, Foxy Jacks and Whatsnotoknow, and they both ran well to a point.

"There are a few there who have run well and been placed and I have a couple of nice four-year-olds who can hopefully do well next year."

McKiernan newcomer impresses

"We normally don't have bumper horses but we have a couple now," said Oliver McKiernan, after his newcomer No Looking Back registered an unlikely victory in the concluding bumper.

The Kingston Hill gelding was last turning out of the back straight under Johnny Barry and still had plenty to do entering the straight, but once pulled to the outer he made up ground hand over fist and got up on the line to see off Cumhacht and the weakening Petram by a neck and a head.

"He surprised me, because when I walked the track I didn't think it was soft enough," said McKiernan. "I didn't think he got up to tell the truth. I told Johnny that I didn't mind him losing ground by coming to the outside, I just didn't want him in among horses. He'll be heading to Fairyhouse for the big sales bumper there."

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