O'Brien & McManus double-up with Bridge

After winning the opener with Le Richebourg Joseph O'Brien and JP McManus doubled-up with Immortal Bridge in the Killarney Grand Live Music Venue Handicap Hurdle.

O'Brien and McManus were also recording a 1, 2, with Hallmark filling the runner-up spot.

Successful on the level for Aidan O'Brien in May of last year, Immortal Bridge won again on his second start over flights at Downpatrick last month.

He was third on his handicap debut at Limerick on July 9th, and he was sent off the well-backed 2/1 favourite this afternoon, having opened at 4s on-course.

Settled in mid-division by JJ Slevin, the son of Fastnet Rock was pushed along on the approach to the straight.

He was ridden to challenge on the outer after three out, and swept through to lead on the run to the last, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts.

Hallmark got squeezed for room when travelling strongly before two out. He jumped the last in third, keeping on well on the run-in to take second under Jody McGarvey at 25/1.

The well-backed Mindsmadeup (8s to 9/2 on-course) was a further three parts of a length away in third for Davy Russell and James Sheehan.

O'Brien said afterwards: "They both ran very well and JJ's horse seemed to get the trip very well and he gave him a great ride.

"He was a decent horse on the flat and seems to have taken to hurdling but he's a lazy horse, and has been his whole life - that's why he wears blinkers. I don't think he's un-genuine but he just takes a bit of riding.

"We'll find another handicap hurdle with him next.

"Hallmark (runner-up) was a bit unlucky but is an unlucky horse and seems to like being unlucky!

"I think he'll go back for another handicap hurdle and today was his first time going that trip so that opens up a few more doors for him."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards fined James G.Sheehan, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Mindsmadeup, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.

The Stewards received a report from Turf Club Starter, J.R. Banahan, that B. Hayes, rider of Definite Income and P.A. Gallagher, rider of Naturally Blond had failed to obey his instructions and attempted to start without being instructed to do so. Evidence was heard from the starter and rider's concerned. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that B. Hayes and P.A. Gallagher were in breach of Rule 208 by failing to obey the starters instructions and cautioned both persons.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes