On what was his debut for Charles Coakley, Prince Of Air landed a gamble under Alex Harvey in the Killinan Handicap Chase.

Previously trained by Philip Rothwell and twice successful at Tramore, the seven-year-old was as big as 16/1 early, eventually going off a 9/2 chance in the colours of owner David O'Sullivan.

Racing mainly in fourth early on, the seven-year-old improved into second five out and led after the penultimate fence.

Soon skipping a few lengths clear under Alex Harvey, the 91-rated bay kept up the gallop in the straight and came home three and three parts of a length to the good.

The Oliver McKiernan-trained Winding River (10/1) finished second under Phillip Enright, while Rock On Pedro (6/1) was another four lengths away in third.

Returned the 2/1 favourite, Birdsandthebees finished a disappointing fifth.

"It is David's first winner and he is involved in a 10-member syndicate with this horse but the colours haven't come back yet, as we bought him only a month ago," Coakley revealed.

"The lads are scattered around Killarney and Cork but only three came as we didn't think he'd kick into this gear - we thought he'd be thereabouts.

"We bought him from Philip Rothwell where he had nice enough form and is one who suits the type of training I do, as we go to the beach a lot. We took a chance by buying him and I'm delighted."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Birdsandthebees, trained by Padraig Roche, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Raceday Stewards enquired into the circumstances surrounding a false start (second approach) of this race, where it appeared that Mr Alan O'Sullivan, rider of King Ferdinand, T.P. Harney, rider of Jack Holiday, P.K. Donovan, rider of The Little Yank and C.M. Quirke, rider of Sea Road Fill anticipated the start causing a false start. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Mr. Alan O'Sullivan stated that the track layout was narrow and his horse simply followed those next to him. T.P. Harney stated that it was a competitive start and he reacted to the horses on his inner. P.K. Donovan stated that he did not want to be handy but his mount is difficult and simply followed those around him. C.M. Quirke stated that everybody wanted to be handy and his horse went forward with the others. Having viewed the recording of the incident and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found each the above named riders in breach of Rule 208(iii)(b)(putting their mount into a trot or canter with a view to taking an advantage before the race was started - flag still up) and in considering their respective records, they suspended Mr. Alan O'Sullivan, T.P Harney and C.M. Quirke for one raceday (first offence) and P.K. Donovan for two racedays (second offence).

P.T. Enright, rider of Winding River, trained by Oliver McKiernan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount leaned right turning causing him to catch the rail. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the footage and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes