SHANE BRODERICK, who rides Dorans Pride, the current second favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, in the Kilnoch Brae Chase at Thurles this afternoon, took the precautionary step of standing himself down from his final two rides at Naas yesterday after taking a fall in the Kill Handicap Chase.
Although fit enough to walk away after Margeurita Song fell four fences from home, bringing down both Programmed To Win and Noels Dancer, Broderick was taking no chances.
"It is nothing serious, I am just a little shaken and a bit sore. I have two rides left but it is probably best that I pass them up," he said.
Master McCartan, trained by former senior National Hunt steward Alan Lillingston, took the contest, bringing off quite a gamble in the process.
Backed from 5 to 1 to 5 to 2 favourite, Master McCartan went clear twos fences out and came home a 15 length winner under amateur rider Brian. Moran.
Another obviously at home in the extremely testing conditions was Super Dealer trained by Dessie Hughes which ran out an impressive seven length winner of the Kildare Maidens hurdle.
Under Charlie Swan the well supported 9 to 4 favourite had the race in safe keeping when he walked through the final hurdle, but survived the blunder to win on the bridle.
Conor O'Dwyer brought Welcome Parade with a well timed challenge to win the Bishopscourt Maiden Hurdle for trainer Tom Taaffe.
Newcomer Yankie Lord, ridden by Frank Woods beat his stable companion Ard Shuil to give Arthur Moore a one two in the Leinster Beginners Chase.
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