It was a hugely successful day for the Berry family after Caddy Shack, (14/1), put in a magnificent finish to score by eight lengths in the Casey Concrete Gorey Handicap Hurdle at sunny Bettyville Park this afternoon.

Caddy Shack was bred by his trainer, John A. Berry, Ballyroe Stables, Blackwater, who was one of the outstanding point-to-point riders of his generation winning a total of 305 winners, (combination between ‘points’ and track amassed a total of 398 career winners), three national riders’ championships, a dozen South Eastern awards and nine Leinster titles in a 17 years riding career from 1984 until 2001. He also rode two Cheltenham Festival winners – Front Line for Jonjo O’Neill in the Kim Muir Chase and Master Bob for Nicky Henderson in the National Hunt Chase.

In the saddle and enjoying his first racing success, his son, John Berry junior, (21), a final year of college, studying international business in Maynooth. Afterwards, Berry junior said; I don’t remember my dad riding, I’m too young but there are plenty of trophies in the house. I actually wear his racing boots so I’m literally filling his boots, although I have a long way to go before I can do that. He’s given me an awful lot of opportunities and I think today was my 89th ride so I’ve had plenty of experience over the last few seasons and it’s great to finally get my head in front.

Locals got off to a winning start when second reserve Our Friend, (14/1) made the most of his opportunity when landing Wexford’s two and a half mile maiden hurdle on debut for Enniscorthy trainer Paul Nolan. Kevin Sexton came in for the winning ride as original jockey Bryan Cooper was injured in a fall in Galway yesterday.

Paul Nolan said; “He’s a lovely horse and we always thought a bit of him. I thought he might run respectable and we might go back for a bumper but I told Kevin if it’s happening it’s happening. He’s a nice horse, I loved his attitude, loved the way he jumped – for a horse first time out the way be behaved himself.”

Jockey JJ Slevin from Caim teamed up with his cousin, Joseph O’Brien from Carrick-on-Suir, and they won the Casey Precast Handicap Chase by two and three-quarter lengths with Punches Cross, (7/1), in the famous JP McManus colours.

The going was ‘heavy’, but the clear skies and winter sunshine lit up Bettyville Park where a good sized crowd enjoyed the first day of the October Bank Holiday meeting. Weather forecast for tomorrow is for dry conditions and with no overnight rain the going will be ‘heavy’ but slightly improved on today.

The Tote aggregate was €82,015 (7 races) compared with €93,620 last year.