Rubert returns a "different horse"

Rubert galloped his rivals into the ground when making all for a cosy success in the beginners chase at Thurles.

Mick Darcy took them along at a good clip in the two-miler and the Rudimentary gelding and Mayo Mystique had a healthy gap on the field going out on the final circuit.

The field could make no impression before the fourth last, where 2/1 favourite Cass Bligh crashed out.

The front two were well clear at the next with the exit of Twinlight but Mayo Mystique came under pressure entering the straight.

The Denis Cullen-trained Rubert showed no signs of slowing, however, and galloped on strongly to post a comfortable four-and-a-half length success.

"They are all running well and it's great to have the horses in good form," said Cullen afterwards.

"We got this fella late last year and then he got held up by the snow and frost. We gave him the summer off and he came back a different horse. The penny has really dropped.

"He did that well and I'm delighted with him. We'll see if he can progress through the ranks - he looks a smart two-miler."