EXCUSES on the grounds of going are often advanced for beaten horses, but rarely for winners. No sooner had Paddy Prendergast greeted his Bourne Vincent Maiden Hurdle winner Tarajan at Killarney last evening than he launched into a scathing criticism of the underfoot conditions.

"The going is officially good to firm but that is not true. It is like the road - like concrete. I seriously considered withdrawing the horse. He is in again on Thursday but he will definitely not run. He is sore already," said Prendergast, who for many years has been a great supporter of the Killarney races. Tarajan and John Shortt overcame the attentions of Allatrim on rising to the last and carried on to win by a length and a half.

By contrast, Christy Roche, successful on the Aidan O'Brien-trained newcomer Mystik Day in the next event, the Lakes Maiden, agreed with the assessment of the Clerk of the Course, Peter McGouran. Said Roche: "It is good to firm. They have done a fantastic job with the weather that's in it. No other course would do better."

Kevin Manning, who finished a head second on Dream Project, objected to Roche on the grounds of crossing two furlongs out. His objection was overruled.

Fifteen-year-old apprentice Paul Hourigan rode a fine race to land the Heineken Handicap on Sentosa Star from Celtic Lore and Premier Project. In a slow run event the winner led from a furlong and a half down and held on by three-parts of a length.

The going was ideal for Jessica Harrington's charge Space Trucker who landed the East Avenue Maiden in the hands of Charlie Swan. Pulled out a furlong and a half down the winner led 200 yards out to beat Moonfire by half a length but and to survive a stewards' enquiry. Successful in a handicap hurdle here in May, Space Trucker is Galway Hurdle bound. His trainer may also run Dance Beat.

As expected, Blazing Spectacle outclassed his rivals to win the Muckross Park Hotel Beginners Chase much as he pleased. He jumped well for Richard Dunwoody and when requested produced his old flat speed to quickly bridge a 10-length gap at the bottom of the course. He is entered for in the Galway Plate, but may not run. Dermot Weld has also entered course winner Open Market, who has been flat racing since winning a chase over the Plate distance at Punchestown last October. With Life Of A Lord compressing the weights both chasers will be near the bottom of the handicap.

The Willie Mullins-trained, John Murtagh-partnered Calisar collared the front-running Dromalane to win the Mitsubishi Handicap.