Megalomaniac completes quick double for de Bromhead

Megalomaniac completed a quick double for Henry de Bromhead, as he made all in the Clonmel Handicap Hurdle.

Rachael Blackmore was again due to partner this gelding, but Sean Flanagan stepped in for the ride, with Blackmore stood down for the day after a fall in the second.

A beaten favourite when third in a maiden hurdle here in March, the six-year-old was sent off at 9/2 this evening (from 6s) on what was his debut in handicap company.

Having stole a clear lead at the start, the son of Alfred Nobel was pushed along approaching two out and was pressed by The Big Lense on the run to the last.

The winner put in a better jump at the final flight, and that ultimately settled matters, as he kept on well to score by three and three parts of a length.

The Big Lense was returned at 10/3 under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott, while Mutadaffeq (7/4f) was nine and a half lengths back in third.

de Bromhead, who trains the winner for Gigginstown House Stud, said: "He's a lovely big horse and looks a chaser. I'd imagine we will go over fences now. It looks like he stays well.

"He's only had five runs and is still quite inexperienced.

"Again it's unfortunate for Rachael but Sean gave him a good ride."

STEWARDS REPORT

A. Ring, rider of British Art trained by R. K. Watson, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee