MYSTICAL CITY, the impressive Galway Hurdle winner, made a successful return to the Flat when running away with the Guinness QR Handicap in the hands of Ruby Walsh at Tram ore last night.
Before a bumper crowd, the well backed favourite came home 15 lengths clear of All The Vowels, who made the early running and at one stage led by a distance.
"She's in here again on Sunday but is unlikely to run. The plan would now be to go for the Carling Gold Cup at Tralee," said winning trainer Willie Mullins.
Mullins, who as the chairman of the Trainers' Association has led the call to keep Tramore open, has found a new ally in Pat Martin who saddled two winners on the opening evening of the four day festival.
Martin and his younger brother Tommy combined to win the Power Handicap Hurdle with Bajan Queen and the Blanchardstown trainer went on to land the Mean Fiddler Festival Handicap with Genial Jenny (Jason Behan).
"They are trying to close down all the tracks that keep me going! Genial Jenny is in again tomorrow (Friday), and all being well she will run," said Martin.
The Cobh Gale credited Middleton trainer John Crowley with his first winner in over six years when she landed a gamble in the Riverstown Maiden Hurdle. Crowley had been without a winner since St Coleman's Well won over hurdles at the Curragh in March 1990.
The Outback Way provided the father and son team of Jimmy and David `Doe' O'Connor with a welcome winner when easily taking the Beginners Chase.
Meanwhile, Clane trainer Peter McCreery recorded his first mixed double at Dundalk with Wherewilitall End and Honeyschoice.
Honeyschoice (Stephen Craine) came with a perfectly timed run to edge past Premier Code well inside the final furlong in the Mullacrew Maiden.
Ma Barnicle, a newcomer trained by Dermot Weld came from well off the pace in eye catching fashion to dead heat for third place which prompted an inquiry. Jockey Jayne Mulqueen, who explained she had missed the break and had been checked on the first bend, was suspended for four days (24th-27th August) for making insufficient effort.
