Darragh O'Keeffe, Emily Flynn and Henry de Bromhead pictured after the success of Great Bear© Photo Healy Racing
Great Bear completed a quick-double for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O'Keeffe, as he made the breakthrough over flights in the Buy Tickets On www.corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle.
Out of Irish Oaks winner Great Heavens, who is a sister to Nathaniel, the seven-year-old was sent off the 7/4 favourite in the colours of Envirogreen Housing Services Ltd.
A good fifth of 17 when last seen at the Punchestown Festival in 2022, the bay victor was settled behind the leaders, improving to the front before three out.
While he wasn't fluent at the last, he kept on well for pressure on the run-in, coming home four-and-a-half lengths to the good.
The Willie Mullins-trained Moon Rise Beauty (16/5) finished second, while Jimmy Boy (33/1) was eight-and-a-half lengths back in third.
"Darragh was brilliant on him and knows him better than anyone. He is a lovely horse and off 124, I thought was entitled to have a go for a maiden," de Bromhead commented.
"He hadn't run for a long time and I wasn't sure he would be fit enough, but everyone has done a great job at home.
"He had a lot of good runs and ran really well in Punchestown (2022) before we got him. He got hurt and Tom (O'Connor, owner) has been patient but I'm delighted he has been rewarded. Tom would love to have a runner at Galway and he could go for a novice there."
O'Keeffe and de Bromhead had earlier taken the opener with Bojak
STEWARDS REPORTS
C. Brassil, rider of Beanie To Sea trained by Seamus Fahey, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly right throughout this race.
C.P. McNamara, rider of Breath Caught (GB), trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount pulled up lame.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Breath Caught (GB) trained by E. McNamara was found to be lame on its right fore post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
