Seanie beats Bellini again 12 months on

Killian Leonard gave Seanie a well-judged front-running ride as he repeated last year's victory in the seven-furlong handicap at Tipperary.

David Marnane 's charge was sent off 9/2 favourite having been 13/2 this morning for the competitive looking heat.

Leonard got his mount to the front after a furlong and he travelled best at the head of affairs with two furlongs to run.

The six-year-old kept on well when asked for an effort over a furlong out and held the challenge of Bubbly Bellini by half a length. The runner-up had also chased him home 12 months ago.

The consistent Seanie was gaining his first success of the year having been third in the valuable 'Sovereign Path' Handicap at Leopardstown last time.

"It's Seanie's time of year!" said Marnane.

"Seven furlongs seems his trip but tactically not and ideally it's six furlongs for him."

"He ran really well at Leopardstown and that was a good run and I was delighted with Killian (Leonard) and he is very very good value for his 10 pounds claim. It was his first ride for me."

Sixteen year old Leonard was riding his second winner and, having been based with Ger Lyons, is now back at school.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)