Jan Maat pleases punters in beginners chase

Jan Maat justified favouritism when taking the Tipperary Racecourse Beginners Chase in decisive fashion.

The German-bred gelding won a maiden hurdle under Rachael Blackmore at Fairyhouse last term, and the pair again combined here for a stylish success. Djingle set the pace in this 2m1f event, and was tracked by the Gigginstown-owned pair Cut Em Down and Jan Maat.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained grey made headway on the inner to lead after two out, and quickened clear on the run-in.

The 5/2 favourite had six and a half lengths to spare at the line, with Cenotine keeping on in the closing stages to just deny Djingle the runner-up spot.

De Bromhead said, “I was very disappointed in Ballinrobe. I’m not sure what happened as we always felt he’d be a far better chaser than hurdler. He was starting to come back to himself in Wexford, and I liked the way he put the race to bed between the last two.”