O'Brien, Walsh & McManus double-up with Monarch

After winning the opener with Air Supremacy Monarch completed a double for Joseph O'Brien, Mark Walsh and JP McManus in the Great Southern Hotel Beginners Chase.

A three time hurdles winner, and also successful on the level, the bay son of Galileo (also the sire of Air Supremacy) was making his debut over fences this afternoon.

Last seen finishing down the field in the Galway Hurdle, he was sent off the 4/1 favourite today, just ahead of four rivals who were returned at 9/2.

Given a patient ride by Walsh, he gradually closed on the leaders from three out, and got to the front shortly after the last, going on to score snugly by a length and three parts. Crezic (11/2) finished second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Henry de Bromhead was responsible for the third (Capital Force at 9/2), fourth (Arvico Bleu) and fifth (Ellie Mac).

Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, said: "He has taken well to chasing but we've no big plans.

"He jumped great and we'll look down the novice route now."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ancient Sands trained by John E. Kiely, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Crezic (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous whip record into account, the Stewards suspended J.W. Kennedy for 7 racedays.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes