New approach stars at Leopardstown

HAVING been run a day later than expected due to the inclement weather, the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown produced a worthy winner in the shape of the Jim Bolger-trained New Approach. His task was made all the easier by the withdrawal of Duke Of Marmalade, but the son of Galileo made no mistake in landing the odds by a half length under Kevin Manning. That win completed a big-race double for Bolger and Manning, with Lush Lashes having already won the Matron Stakes by a neck in gritty fashion. Elsewhere on the card, the Aidan O"Brien-trained The Bogberry won the Kilternan Stakes under Colm O"Donoghue. Halford - Cleary on double Mick Halford and Rory Cleary were the star performers on Sunday"s card at Dundalk, combining to complete a double on the card. They opened their account in the sprint handicap with Invincible Ash, who overcame a poor draw to prevail by a short-head. They completed their day"s work with the win of Hujaylea who positively bolted up in the second division of the 1m handicap. Elsewhere on the card, course specialist Ger Lyons got on the score sheet with Fiery Lad winning the 11f handicap under Emmett McNamara. Davy Moran in form Davy Moran was the man in form at Clonmel on Thursday evening, completing a double on the card. He opened his account in the 10f maiden when giving the Frank Ennis horse a forceful ride on his way to prevailing by 2½ lengths before riding Lee Smith"s first ever winner as a trainer on Tipper Road in the 12f handicap. Elsewhere on the card, the claiming race was won by the admirable veteran Mutakarrim for Dermot Weld and Shane Gorey. Oxx shines at Down Royal John Oxx and Fran Berry were the star performers on Wednesday"s card at Down Royal, completing a double which included the feature race of the day, Her Majesty"s Plate. While Mourad looked beaten early in the straight, the son of Sinndar battled on gamely to regain the lead under Berry and eventually prevail by six lengths. Earlier on the card, they had combined with Barizan to win the nursery in authoritative fashion. Elsewhere on the card, the concluding bumper saw Mick Halford and Nina Carberry combine with Clayton Chief to prevail in cosy fashion. Silver Birch In Training Silver Birch, who won the 2007 Aintree Grand National and hasn"t raced since due to injury, is reportedly about to return according to his trainer, Gordon Elliott. The 11-year-old will go down the point-to-point and cross-country chase route with a repeat bid for the Aintree Grand National being his ultimate target. Mossbank out Mossbank, the joint top-rated chaser in Ireland last season, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by his trainer, Michael Hourigan. The eight-year-old has reportedly had a setback and will be given a long rest to recover, with a view to returning for the 2009/2010 season.