Celebrity hits the headlines at Clonmel

The Conor O'Dwyer trained Celebrity Status made all in the opener at Clonmel, the BBQ Evening At Clonmel Races Maiden Hurdle.

Successful in a point-to-point for Warren Ewing at Kirkistown in November of 2016, the son of Scorpion was then bought by O'Dwyer for 20,000 pounds.

Placed twice in thirteen starts since, the seven-year-old gelding pulled up on his last outing in a handicap chase at Killarney.

Back over flights this evening, the Michael & John O'Flynn owned bay was sent off a 9/2 chance (from 11/2) under Ricky Doyle.

In front from flag fall, he needed to be ridden out on the run-in to see off the effort of The Abbey by a length and a half.

The runner-up, on debut for Gordon Elliott, was returned at 9/4 (from 3s), while Brog Ahaon (2/1f) was another twenty lengths back in third.

O'Dwyer, who was also on the mark at Kilbeggan on Sunday, said: "I'm not shocked by any means as we've always thought a lot of him but he's just never put it together on the track. He's run a few good races but never finished his race out well. We've never see the horse on track that we have seen at home.

"In fairness to Michael and John O’Flynn they have been very patient and given me every chance with him. Today was nearly last chance saloon. He did burst in Thurles and that set him back head wise.

"We said we'd pop him off in front today as he jumps well and had so much experience. It was a lovely opportunity for him, and he could go back over fences."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Golden Birch at the request of trainer, Patrick Breen, and reported the animal post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Brog Ahaon, trained by Moses McCabe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee