Swan pays worthwhile visit to Galway meeting

Charlie Swan, who later dashed off to Leopardstown via helicopter to partner Just Little in the October Handicap Hurdle, partnered Aidan O'Brien's Cloone Bridge to make a winning debut over timber in the Bank Of Ireland Ascent Novice Hurdle on the concluding day of the Galway Bank Holiday meeting yesterday.

Sent off the 4 to 7 favourite, Swan coaxed his charge to lead over the third-last flight before shrugging off the threat of Correal Owl and Paul Carberry after the penultimate flight to draw right away and land the spoils by 15 lengths.

Damian Byrne, travelling head lad to winning trainer Aidan O'Brien, said: "He's a smashing horse with loads of gears and will improve from that run. The main objective is the Royal SunAlliance Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival next March. "

Swan said of his 41st winner of the season: "He jumped well for a horse having his first run. He's a bit lazy and doesn't jump his hurdles that high which is a help. I was very happy with him." Eric Mc Namara, successful with Dancing Vision at the Cheltenham Murphy's weekend last season, nominated the Fuggles Imperial Handicap Hurdle over three miles and two furlongs for Young Mrs Kelly after she had won the Bank Of Ireland Asset Management Handicap Hurdle. "She stays all day and needs a trip in excess of three miles and if we get in for the Cheltenham race, than she'll travel," he said. Lord Singapore and David Casey outpointed Padashpan and Paul Carberry after a titanic battle from the last in the Bank Of Ireland I.C.S. Handicap Chase.

John Joe Walsh, who saddled the nine-year-old to justify favouritism, said: "He prefers ground with a bit of cut but not too sticky and he'll go on to the Troytown Chase at Navan, a race he won last year, before going on to the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas." Shane McGovern (19), having his first ride over fences, produced Brian's Delight with a late surge to pip Yelapa Prince in the final 50 yards of the Beginners Chase.

"I offered the ride to Paul Carberry as he broke his wrist off her at Listowel last month but he was committed to ride his father's Native Status," revealed winning trainer Michael Cunningham.