In the words of commentator Jerry Hannon Alpha Des Obeaux "has done what he's had to do," as the high-class staying hurdler justified odds of 1/2 in the opening www.thurlesraces.ie Beginners Chase.

The Gigginstown House Stud-owned and Mouse Morris-trained French-bred came on sufficiently from his chasing bow at Tipperary eighteen days previous, to account for Round Tower and Goulane Chosen at his ease, by a length and a half and three and three parts of a length.

Of course the defection of Prince Of Scars owing to a stone bruise, made things so much easier for the David Mullins-ridden Alpha Des Obeaux. The winner was pretty sure-footed, not surprisingly for a horse that won a point-to-point as a four-year-old.

"That was satisfactory. He idled a bit in front but his jumping was perfect. I'm not sure where he'll go next, although I'd like to find a winners of one. He wants two and a half miles plus," said Morris in the aftermath.

After a fall from Total Recall Jonathan Burke is reportedly stiff and sore and is stood down for the rest of the day.

Paddy Power are unchanged at 8/1 about Alpha Des Obeaux for the RSA Chase. Boylesports stuck with their 7/1 quote also.

(AM & EM)