A double at Punchestown yesterday took Paul Carberry to the 50-winner mark in a season that is fast turning into a career-best for the Grand National-winning rider.
Michael Mor's somewhat fortuitous success in the Irish Field Chase sealed a successful weekend for Carberry and also set him up for the ride on Florida Pearl in next Saturday's James Nicholson Champion Chase at Down Royal.
The partnership schooled after racing yesterday with three other Willie Mullins-trained horses, and delighted all concerned.
"Florida Pearl is as forward as I can get him and he looks in good shape," confirmed Mullins. "He warmed up over four fences and then did a good 10 furlongs as well as jumping five more fences. I'm delighted with the way he jumped."
Carberry and Florida Pearl won the £110,000 pot two years ago but the multi-talented rider is well on course to improve on his best total to date of 71 winners in the 1998-99 season, and pick up a first jockeys' title in the process.
Michael Mor, who showed a tendency to jump to his left, certainly had to get the full Carberry treatment to hold off Prince Dante by a couple of lengths in the Grade Three contest.
However, he looked a lucky winner, as Sparkling Gold looked to have edged past the favourite at the second last only to hit the dirt after colliding with Michael Mor in mid-air.
Woodys Blue Lagoon made all the running for a five-length victory over Soltero in the novice hurdle but remains a 25 to 1 shot with Cashmans for the Sun Alliance Hurdle.
Both of Carberry's winners were trained by Noel Meade, who later completed a treble with the newcomer Woodys Deep Ocean in the bumper.
A 25 to 1 quote was also put next to Goss's name for the Supreme Novices Hurdle after JP McManus's French import won his first hurdles start very easily under Tom Rudd.
"He has the engine and has always looked a good horse," said trainer Michael O'Brien. "I wouldn't mind going to Fairyhouse but it depends on what the owner wants to do with him."
Adrian Maguire travelled from England to ride Wilton Bridge in the handicap chase and the Tony Martin-trained runner overcame jumping mistakes to hold on by a neck.
Trainer Frances Crowley yesterday reported Sackville to be in fine condition after his superb win at Wetherby on Saturday.
The eight-year-old turned in a scintillating performance to lift the Peterhouse Group Charlie Hall Chase at odds of 5 to 1.
"He's on his way home but he seemed fine when I left him. I have had no ill reports and he seems grand. It was a great win. We were delighted. It was lovely to see him winning again," she added.
Crowley confirmed that possible targets for Sackville included the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown in December, the King George VI Chase at Kempton and the Ericsson Chase at Leopardstown at Christmas.
She is also considering the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on December 1st.