Clar another for in-form O'Brien

Several were better backed than 14/1 shot Clar Na Mionn but the Witness Box gelding maintained the fine form of the Val O'Brien string to land the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Chase at Leopardstown under Stephen Gray.

Gray also combined with O'Brien to register a win with Ard Cregg at Thurles on December 20th. The Galway trainer had Ice Cool do the business for him since, on debut for his yard, at Clonmel on December 22nd.

Here in this two mile five furlong event, Clar Na Mionn got to the front before the second last. He was much too strong from the last for Bearly Legal and company, scoring by five and a half lengths. Gambled-on favourite Court Frontier finished two and a quarter lengths back in third.

"He got an injury in the Irish National two years ago and that's his first win since. He seems to be coming back to himself," said O'Brien.

"We'll look at the two mile five race at the next meeting here, or a three mile contest. I was concerned it might be a bit short for him today.

"He'd want to win another race or two to get up in there but he could end up in the Irish National again.

"The horses are going well at the moment."

Paul John Gilligan, trainer of Harangue reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge sustained a cut to his off foreleg during this race.

(GC & EM)