Hourigan in form

Patrickswell trainer Michael Hourigan captured the honours at Galway yesterday when he completed a double with Sly Empress and Moscow Retreat.

Sly Empress, who scored twice at the Listowel Festival last month, provided Paul Carberry with his ninth success of the season when she held off Senorita Bonita after the final flight in the novice hurdle.

Half an hour later Norman Williamson teamed up with Moscow Retreat for a three-length win in the Connaught Court Maiden Hurdle. "He's a horse with a bright future and we'll play it by ear with him. He'll stay over hurdles but fences next season is his future," said Hourigan.

Half Barrell, demoted from first place at the September meeting, was fortunate to survive a lengthy stewards' inquiry after coming home a length clear of Fornaught Alliance, thus foiling a Hourigan treble, in the handicap hurdle. After touching down with a fractional lead over the final flight, Val O'Brien's gelding veered towards the stands rail hampering the runner-up, ridden by Williamson.

Bookmakers shouted even money about Half Barrell keeping the contest and 4 to 7 on the runner-up getting the verdict in the stewards room but much to their surprise the judges placings remained unchanged.

Sixmilebridge permit holder Michael McDonagh had his colours carried to victory in the feature race, the Irish Independent Handicap Chase, when Kieran Gaule teamed up with Irish Light to score a runaway success.

"He gallops away all day," said Gaule, who sent the 11-year-old to the front on the downhill run to the penultimate fence before forging away in the straight for a nine length victory.

Saxophone battled back gamely under a determined drive from Tommy Treacy to defeat odds-on chance Generosa in a thrilling finish to the Beginners Chase. Generosa, winner of the Stakis Casinos Final at Cheltenham, looked set to collect when Norman Williamson sent John Hassett's charge to lead approaching two out.

Despite a mistake at the last, she came away in front until relinquishing the advantage to Jim Dreaper's gelding inside the last half-furlong.

"My horse wants three miles and soft ground and may go for the Drinmore Chase at Fairyhouse. The Sun Alliance is the target," said Dreaper.