Dream start by Chris for de Bromhead

Owners Robour, and trainer Henry de Bromhead could have hardly envisaged a better start with their new recruit Chris's Dream as he pulverised the opposition in the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle at Clonmel.

This three miler was over as a contest barring something untoward happening from some way out.

Mark Walsh went on aboard the victorious Mahler gelding from the third, an advantage he extended five out.

In the end he had no less than sixty four lengths in hand over Carrigeen Acebo

A top point-to-point mare in the past, the runner-up delighted her connections, the Lalor family, by gaining black-type with this effort.

"He stayed well and he (Walsh) said he was just hacking away there. He seemed to go through it very well, not a bother on him," said de Bromhead.

"He's in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham and is entitled to go after that performance and obviously stays well. Mahlers may have a better record on softer ground and he is a nice, light moving horse and I think we'll give it a go.

"Mark had won the maiden hurdle on him and we asked him for his opinion and he recommended the horse and Eugene (O'Sullivan, previous trainer) did as well.

"It goes without saying but he is a chaser in the making as well."

Paddy Power are 14/1 from 33/1 about Chris's Dream for the Albert Bartlett.

Chris's Dream is a half-brother to top American jumper, Scorpiancer.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Monkshood trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be distressed post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Burren Life trained by Gordon Elliott was distressed post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Moonshine Bay trained by Mrs John Harrington was coughing post race.

(TW & EM)