Darenjan scores on first start over fences

The first of the four National Hunt races on this evening's card at Killarney, the O'Keeffe's Marquee Hire Beginners Chase, went the way of 3/1 second favourite Darenjan for trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon and rider Eddie O'Connell.

The versatile 8yo winner was recording his seventh career win here on his first start over fences, having won three on the level and three over hurdles before today.

He only made his return to racing late last month at the Curragh after being out since November of 2009.

The son of Alhaarth tracked the leaders for much of the race before disputing the lead with eventual runner-up Traffic Article and the third placed Our Gar at third last, when going best of the three. He led before the next fence and stayed on well from there holding off the renewed effort of runner-up on the run-in by just half a length at the line.

The 11/4 favourite, Our Gar finished a further seven lengths back in third.

Winning trainer John Hanlon said afterwards: "He will go for a 2m 6f Novice Chase at the Galway Festival next. He has won twice around Galway, so I'm looking forward to bringing him there again.

"He idled a bit in front on the run in."

Donal Murphy