Barry doubles up on Pio in the bumper

Johnny Barry completed a first and last race double at Clonmel after partnering Sillogue Pio to a wide-margin victory in the bumper.

Barry took the opening maiden hurdle on 4/9 favourite Wakea and Sillogue Pio also attracted support in the ring.

The George Kingston-trained gelding, who finished in mid-division on his previous two starts this spring in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse and a Punchestown bumper, was available at a top price of 40/1 and backed on track from 20/1 into 14/1.

The lightly-raced seven-year-old struck the front two furlongs out, and was in command in the final furlong.

The strapping son of Trans Island galloped on strongly to beat Court Artist by eight and a half lengths, with Cavalo another two lengths adrift in third.

Kingston said, “We liked him, he knows how to gallop and was fit as a fiddle.

"He was a bit hot at the start the last twice but we put the hood on him to keep him quiet and I told Johnny to be handy. He'll go for a hurdle next.

"I'm delighted for Johnny riding a double as he is an old pal of mine."

(TW & AM)