Cuba completes treble for O'Brien & McManus

Newcomer Santiago De Cuba completed a treble for Joseph O'Brien and JP McManus at Killarney, as he ran out a good winner of the last, the Christy Lucey Transport Limited Flat Race.

O'Brien and McManus earlier won the opener with Le Richebourg while the were also successful in the third race with Immortal Bridge

The winning trainer was recording his second 1, 2 of the afternoon, with fellow newcomer Chess Grand Master filling the runner-up spot.

Formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien, the winning son of Pour Moi was sold for 210,000 guineas as a yearling.

Available at 7/2 this morning, he touched 9/4 on-course, before going off a well-backed 15/8 chance under Derek O'Connor.

Settled in mid-division, the bay victor took closer order on the approach to the straight, and he was soon briefly squeezed for room.

He travelled strongly and challenged the favourite Special Ted from the two furlong pole. He got to the front over a furlong out, and soon went clear, keeping on well to score by three and three parts of a length.

Chess Grand Master, who was badly hampered over two furlongs out, kept on nicely to take second under Tom Hamilton at 12/1.

The aforementioned 5/4 favourite (from 13/8) Special Ted was another two and three parts of a length back in third for Patrick and Willie Mullins.

O'Brien said afterwards: "It was a very good day and he is a lovely horse and Derek gave him a lovely ride.

"The other horse (Chess Grand Master) ran well too and we thought Santiago De Cuba wasn't too far away from some of the others (bumper winners) at home.

"That was his first-time out today and he got tightened up and did it fairly well. He could go hurdling now."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards enquired into an incident over two furlongs from the finish involving Chess Grand Master (GB), ridden by Mr T. Hamilton, placed second, Scheu Time ridden by Ms K. Walsh, placed first and The Abbey ridden by Mr J.J. Codd, placed sixth, where it appeared that Chess Grand Master (GB) was impeded in running.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by Mr J.J. Codd riding improperly and therefore suspended him for 3 racedays having taken his good previous record into consideration.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes