Richard Dunwoody and Conor O'Dwyer both recorded doubles at Clonmel yesterday, with O'Dwyer consolidating his second placing behind Charlie Swan in the riders' championship with wins on Tyndarius and Puget Blue.
Tyndarius appeared to be going slightly better than well-backed favourite Joking Aside when that rival fell at the last, leaving the Arthur Moore-trained gelding to come home 11 lengths clear of Nicholls Cross in the Redmonstown Maiden Hurdle.
Dwyer moved onto the 48 winner mark for the season - 22 adrift of Swan - when Puget Blue put in a fine round of jumping to make all in the White Sands Catering Hurdle. Mouse Morris's charge settled the issue with fluent leaps at the two flights in the straight to beat Dromhale Lady by four lengths, and the Fethard trainer indicated afterwards that the five-year-old would be suited by a sounder surface.
Dunwoody currently occupies fourth place in both the British and Irish title races, and he brought his total to 40 here this term when successful on Excuse Me Sir and Inis Cara.
He was seen at his strongest aboard Excuse Me Sir in the opening Cashel Maiden Hurdle, driving him out from the last to deny Kings Mistral by a head.
Dunwoody had it easier aboard Inis Cara in the Gerry Chawke Handicap Hurdle, readily drawing clear from the last to beat Sup A Whiskey by four and a half lengths.
"We will keep him on the go while the ground remains soft, and the Final of the Stallion Owners Novice Hurdle Series at Navan on March 14th is a possibility," said winning trainer Michael Hourigan.
Tempo, who like Imperial Call is trained by Fergie Sutherland for Lisselan Farms, also made every yard to take the Murphys Irish Stout Chase. Kevin O'Brien's mount appeared to be getting the better of Mr Baxter Basics when that rival fell at the last.
Tony Dobbin will ride in Sunday's Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup after all. Gordon Richards' jockey, whose stable's three entries were all scratched from the race, was yesterday booked by Aidan O'Brien to ride Corket in the Leopardstown feature. It will be Dobbin's first ride for the champion trainer.
