Chamonix trounces rivals in opener

Chamonix proved a different class to his rivals when running away with the opening maiden at Killarney this evening.

The regally-bred son of Galileo was a warm order in the 1m6f contest and was sent off 4/5 favourite, having been 5/4 in the morning.

Joseph O'Brien tracked leader Clondaw Warrior on the three-year-old before taking over entering the straight.

The colt soon eased clear and looked in control but O'Brien asked his mount to stretch two furlongs out and he galloped on well.

The winner could afford to ease down in the closing stages for a 12-length margin over Bob Lingo who kept on for the runner-up spot.

The Ballydoyle inmate had made his debut at Leopardstown just last Thursday, when finishing mid-divison, and showed the benefit of having that run under his belt.

"He stays well. It probably wasn't a great race but he was entitled to win it and won nicely," said the winning rider afterwards.

It was the tenth winner in under a week for Joseph O'Brien, who is enjoying a purple patch at present.

It moved him one clear in the jockey's title race and he was duly shortened in price for the championship.

Stan James now bet: - 5/4 P Smullen, 11/8 J O'Brien (from 7/4), 11/4 J Murtagh, 10 W Lordan, 25 S Foley.

(on course reporting by Thomas Weekes)