Sizing Rio and Andrew Lynch at the second last in Tipperary© Photo Healy Racing
Classy hurdler Sizing Rio made a seamless transition to fences in the Kedrah House Stud 'Well Chosen' Beginners Chase at Tipperary.
Henry de Bromhead's five-year-old was sent off the 9-10 market leader due to his timber form which included a Grade Three success, and he belied his inexperience by jumping with aplomb.
After taking up the running four out and then shooting clear rounding the turn, Andrew Lynch had to draw the persuader, but victory was never in doubt and he beat Benevolent by six lengths.< Young Finnegan made a triumphant return to jumping with an authoritative performance from the front in the Healy Partners Architects Maiden Hurdle.
Ruby Walsh dictated matters to suit himself on the 8-11 favourite, who won a Cork bumper last month after going under on his timber bow at the Irish National meeting, and those who took the short odds never had any concerns as he coasted across the line 12 lengths ahead of Popmurphy
Walsh was expected to follow up on another short-priced market leader, but Wrong Turn crashed out of the Kilfeacle Stud 'Portrait Gallery' Handicap Chase before the race began in earnest.
At the business end, Playing had established a clear lead but departed at the penultimate fence, leaving 20-1 outsider Popaflora to account for the only other finisher Mirador Del Conde
There won't be many easier winners than Jubilee Year this season.
Stepping out of maiden company for the first time in the Arkenvale Ltd Handicap Hurdle, John Walsh's 14-1 shot cruised up to take the lead off a flat-out Battlemount after safely negotiating the last and Brian O'Connell barely had to move a muscle to ease him a length and a half clear at the line.< She's Got Grit scored at Cork last month and followed up with a resolute display in the Glenview And Rathbarry Stud Novice Hunters Chase.
