TRAINER Francis Flood landed his first winners since he was hurt in a stable yard accident when completing a double at Galway yesterday.
Last year's winner Annadot scored a 20 length win in the Bank of Ireland Asset Management Handicap Hurdle, while Pre Ordained had to work a little harder for success in the Bank of Ireland Lifetime Maiden Hurdle. Both winners were ridden by the trainer's son and namesake.
"I spent a few weeks in hospital when I was kicked by a horse that we were trying to break. Three of my ribs were broken and in addition one of my lungs was punctured.
"But they did a good job on me and it is nice to be back among the winners," said the veteran trainer.
Charlie Swan brought the 13 year old Final Tub home the clear winner of the Bank of Ireland ICS Building Society Handicap Chase.
The 5 to 1 winner, who was left in front when the gambled on Back Bar blundered at the third last fence, came home 13 lengths clear to land an event he had previously won in 1991 and 1993.
Back Bar's trainer, Arthur Moore, paid an earlier visit to the winners' enclosure when odds on favourite Tarthooth ran out the 25 length winner of the opening novice hurdle.
Amateur rider Ruby Walsh was seen to good effect when forcing Palette up on the line to win the qualified riders race, while Norman Williamson landed the Beginners Chase on Another Point for trainer Michael Hourigan.
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