Turk bounces back to his best under O'Keeffe The two outsiders battled out the finish in the McCarthys Irish Bar Lexington Handicap Chase, with Young Turk coming out on top under Sean O'Keeffe. A horse of some promise in his early days, the son of Poliglote had been disappointing since winning at Tipperary in October of 2018. Having failed to make an impact on his debut for Gordon Elliott at Galway last month, the French bred nine-year-old was sent off a 28/1 chance today. Never far off the pace under Sean O'Keeffe, the bay victor jumped into a share of the lead from five out and was ridden to the front from the second last. He kept on well from there to prevail by a length and a quarter, with the front-running Full Cry (28/1) finishing a gallant second under Daniel Holden for Henry de Bromhead. Father Jed (12/1) kept on well to take third, another length and three parts back under Danny Mullins, while Cusp Of Carabelli, who was returned the 11/4 favourite, finished fifth. O'Keeffe, who is leading the conditional riders title race, said: "I didn't know much about him to be honest. The lads haven't had him too long. "He had ability from before and he got into a lovely rhythm today, jumping and travelling, he really enjoyed himself. He done it well in the end. "That's thirteen winners for the season and it's great. I'm delighted with the way things are going." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Woodbrook Boy, trained by John Joseph Hanlon, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cusp Of Carabelli, trained by David M.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Crimson Chief, trained by J. Morrison, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. * H. Morgan, rider of Riviera Sun trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled during this race.
