The Mouse Morris-trained Alamein was left to come home a clear winner in the opener at Clonmel this afternoon.

The Gigginstown gelding was gaining an overdue success after a couple of odds-on defeats this season, including at Gowran Park recently.

He was sent to post a 9/4 shot as the Willie Mullins-trained French import Blue Berry went off a well-supported evens favourite (7/4 this morning).

Alamein took up the running on the bend for home and looked to be holding Blue Berry when that rival crashed out at the last. Bryan Cooper could afford to ease down close home on the winner for an 18-length victory.

Morris, fresh from an emotional victory in the Irish National on Monday, stated afterwards:- “He'll go chasing.”

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)