Please Talk © Photo Healy Racing
Long odds-on shot Please Talk duly broke his duck over fences in the Eventus Beginners Chase at Galway, giving owner JP McManus a quick double at Ballybrit.
The Noel Meade-trained gelding was sent off 1/4 favourite in the four-runner event and made all the running.
It looked for a brief moment like he might have to work hard as Abarta tackled him turning for home but the hotpot responded well for Mark Walsh in the straight and went on in the closing stages for a seven-and-a-half length success.
The winner, who had been runner-up at Roscommon on his last outing, was winning on his 13th attempt over fences.
“He's been a bit disappointing since he won his maiden hurdle at Punchestown and I didn't think it would take him this long to win a novice chase,” said Meade.
“He was a bit leery in front. I couldn't believe the way this race cut up. He probably wants three miles plus as he's a bit one paced.
“Hopefully he can go on from this. I wouldn't be surprised to see him running some day in a four mile race.”
The McManus colours had also been carried to success in the preceding handicap hurdle by Noah Webster
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
