Man makes winning start 'under rules'

Ask D' Man opened his 'track' account with a fine front-running performance in the concluding Rathronan Maiden Hunters Chase at Clonmel this afternoon.

The David Christie-trained gelding had won three times 'between the flags' and was sent to post 7/4 favourite on his first start under rules.

Barry O'Neill had him to the head of affairs throughout in the two-and-a-half mile contest as he battled for the lead with I Often Wonder

The Ask gelding went on before the penultimate fence and was always holding Three Loud Knocks as that rival came through to claim the runner-up spot before the last, scoring by a length-and-three-quarters.

"He has a tendency to jump left and I do think he will be better going left-handed but was just a step ahead of the rest of them today. He is very versatile ground-wise,” said the winning rider.

"David is great at finding horses like that and the owners have a nice few horses, Winged Leader, Vaucelet and now they have this fellow to campaign.

“It's onwards and upwards and I'd say he'll probably tip away in points and find another hunters chase somewhere."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)