Marchese Marconi enjoys the Ballybrit rain

Marchese Marconi was sent off the 4/11 favourite for the two mile maiden hurdle in Galway and he duly hacked up by 14 lengths for Aidan O’Brien and Robbie Power.

The same duo combined with Shield on day two of the festival on Tuesday in the Topaz Novice Hurdle. The JP McManus winning colours were sported on both horses.

Robbie Power tracked the leader Marty’s Magic in third, before taking closer order to join him with half a mile and two flights to jump. Despite being untidy at the second last, Marchese Maroni eased away from his rival and was clear popping the last. By this stage Marty’s Magic and Robbie McNamara had settled for second at 9/2. He was 12 lengths in front of Vote Of Confidence (9/1).

JP McManus’s racing manager Frank Berry commented afterwards: “That was pretty straightforward. He jumped well bar one when he dived at the second last. He appreciated the give in the ground. He was always on top of his head on fast ground in a handicap earlier in the week. We’ll try him in a winners of one race.”

Marchese Marconi ran in the qualified riders’ handicap on Monday evening at the Festival when finishing 15th to Quick Jack off a flat rating of 89. He had been second in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in May. He was backed in from an opening show of 1/2 today.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes