"He did that very well in the end and is improving," reported Alan Persse after winning the John & Terry Moriarty Memorial Handicap at Listowel on Joseph O'Brien's Severus Alexander (5s into 4s).

A length and half a length separated Severus Alexander from Formula One and Maunganui at the finish.

The victor, a lightly-weighted three-year-old, came through from mid-division to lead inside the final hundred and fifty yards, keeping on well under pressure to prevail.

"When I asked him he really battled for me and he was a willing partner. I'm lucky to be in the place I'm in because Joseph gives me loads of chances so it's great to be able to repay him," added Persse.

At the request of the Stewards, C.T. Keane, rider of Formal Order (GB), trained by J.P. Murtagh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was never going.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Formal Order (GB), trained by J.P. Murtagh, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cj Cregg trained by John C. McConnell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)