"He's done it nicely and improved plenty for the step up in trip. He only does what he has to but is a nice stayer," said championship leading jockey Donnacha O'Brien after winning the featured Thatch Bar And Restaurant Handicap at Bellewstown aboard Astronomer (6/4 favourite).

Only a three-year-old, Astronomer put in an impressive display on the back of a Galway maiden success from over three weeks ago.

The son of Galileo coped with a step up in trip against battle-hardened opposition in style.

O'Brien always had leader Warnaq in his sights, and once asked to go about his business from over a furlong out the Ballydoyle representative kept on strongly to put four lengths between himself and The Mouse Doctor

"He was fine on that better ground. There is a bit of juice in it and it's good safe ground," further explained O'Brien in the aftermath.

K.J. Leonard, rider of Mezajy trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was squeezed leaving the gates.

P. Townend, rider of Low Sun (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount was off the bridle early.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Low Sun (GB), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(AM & EM)