Eimear makes it a Kilbeggan brace for Smith

Matthew Smith doubled up at Kilbeggan when 6/4 favourite Eimear was victorious in the finale - the Mullingar Handicap Chase.

Bryan Cooper came in for the winning spare after Keith Donoghue was stood down after taking a fall from Jawbox in the opening maiden hurdle.

The strong-travelling mare took closer order in second behind Rudy Catrail after the fourth last.

She closed right up on him at the next and had his measure on the long run after two out.

Cooper sent her on before the home bend and she strode clear before straightening up for the final fence.

She jumped it well and kept going all the way to the line to win by nine and a half lengths on handicap debut. Unchago came in second at 14/1 with Rudy Catrail four and three quarter lengths adrift in third at 12/1.

Matthew Smith said: “I’m delighted to get a winner for Gerry Smyth. He’s not with me that long and is a lovely man.

“She deserved it and is a tough, genuine filly. She was unlucky to bump into an in-form horse (Lord Lariat) the last day. She has plenty of places to her name and it’s nice to get a win into her.

“She needs three miles plus. She was entered in a hurdle today as well ,but we thought the chase looked a better option.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee