Into the west

Meath trainers journey into the west. Despite all the rain, and the abandonment of the Curragh on Sunday, Meath trainer Michael Cunningham was quick to seize an opportunity for All Diamonds on Monday evening at Ballinrobe. All Diamonds was fancied to win a 50-80 handicap at the Curragh, but made the long journey into the west instead where Seamus Heffernan had a neck to spare at the post in the opening claiming race. Heffernan went on to complete a 77/1 double when Slane trainer Pat Martin provided the ammunition in the form of Kaitlins Joy in the next race, a handicap. Navan businessman Eamonn Duignan saw his 11/10 favourite Barker, which won the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown last January, finish second on his debut over the major obstacles. Partnered by Timmy Murphy, Barker was narrowly beaten into second place by the Jessica Harrington-trained The Last Hurrah in a beginners" chase at the Mayo track. In the same race, Paul Carberry, back from his trip to the USA, finished fourth on Noel Meade"s Loup Du Saubouas.