A Kim Muir squeak? Widger to target Treacysenniscorthy at major spring handicaps

Treacysenniscorthy proved a surprise package last season, improving from an opening mark of 99 to 139 over hurdles, but there was no shock about the talented stayer landing a first win this season over fences.

Scoring decisively under Kevin Brouder by four-and-three-quarter lengths, the 6-1 chance took advantage of a favourable chase mark of 125 to earn a tilt at some of the spring's most valuable handicap prizes.

Trainer Robert Widger said: "The Leopardstown Chase is one aim and there's a Grand National trial handicap at Naas over three miles four furlongs in March. We'll aim him for Leopardstown and if the ground is okay he'll go for that."

He added: "We half thought he might be entitled to a little squeak in something like the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. Three miles and two furlongs on better ground would suit him."

Love lands winner in final days as trainer

Irish Grand National-winning trainer Dot Love enjoyed a winner among her final runners as a trainer this weekend, when Betty Zane was a smart front-running success in the concluding bumper at 25-1.

Dot Love: among the winners on her final weekend as a trainer with Betty ZaneCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

A delighted Love, who has two declared runners on Sunday at Fairyhouse before assistant trainer Ciaran Murphy is expected to take over the licence, said: "I started 20 years ago and my first runner won, so this is a lovely way to finish.

"She's a nice mare and did what she had shown us when schooling two weeks ago."

The winner built up a sizeable advantage at the drop of the flag and only runner-up Cute Cherry had got within challenging distance just before the furlong marker. However, to her credit, the seven-year-old found plenty under Aaron Murphy to oblige by 11 lengths.

The stewards held an inquiry into "the circumstances surrounding a substantial early lead gained by Betty Zane" and noted the explanations of the ten other riders involved.

Meade celebrates winner on 70th birthday

Noel Meade was given added reason to celebrate his 70th birthday as the useful Hes A Hardy Bloke breezed to success in the opening novice hurdle for the Hammer & Trowel Syndicate, whose colours were famously carried with great success by Quevega.

Of the 11-8 favourite, Sean Flanagan said: "They've gone a really nice gallop in the ground and he's a horse we thought had a very high cruising speed."

Gentlemansgame: made a very taking rules debut under Rachael BlackmoreCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Gentlemansgame creates excellent first impression

Mouse Morris has his string in good order and sent out exciting maiden hurdle winner Gentlemansgame, a €250,000 point-to-point purchase for owners Robcour.

The mount of Rachael Blackmore is a physically impressive sort and galloped on relentlessly to a 21-length success at 5-4, while Willie Mullins-trained 8-11 favourite Gjoumi proved too keen and faded into third.

Koshari wins after 875-day layoff

Willie Mullins has had higher-profile winners over the last week, but his training exploits to get Koshari back to winning ways on his first start for 875 days in the feature handicap Hurdle was surely one of his finest performances of late.

Results, replays and analysis

More Saturday reaction:

Harry Fry has Grade 1 star to enjoy as top novice Metier dazzles in Sandown mud

Which British-trained novice hurdler has the best chance at Cheltenham in March?

Members' Club: how previous winners of the Tolworth fared at Cheltenham in March

Sandy Thomson in dreamland after fairytale win for 'immense' Seeyouatmidnight

Doitforthevillage rolls back the years to regain winning thread on veterans' day

'That's what it's all about' – Simon Dow gets 2021 off to a flyer with treble

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