Denis Hogan has his string in fine form at present and Desert Friend provided the Co Tipperary handler with his fifth winner within the last fortnight, as he claimed the opener at Clonmel this evening, the Powerstown Park Beginners Chase.

A four-time winner on the level when trained in the UK, the seven-year-old finished sixth on his debut over fences at Limerick last month.

Settled in mid-division by Daniel King, the Universal chestnut took closer order in third from three out, improving to the front before the next.

Ridden clear on the approach to the final fence, he kept up the gallop on the run-in, going on to score by four-and-a-quarter lengths.

The Tom Mullins-trained Takarengo (12/1) filled the runner-up spot under Jack Foley, while Top Speed (8/13f) faded from before two out and finished a very disappointing fifth.

"He ran not so long ago in Limerick where he had a nice introduction to fences. He did it nicely, jumped well, I got a good lead into the race and he quickened when I asked him," King commented.

"Denis had told me to let him stride on if there was no pace but if there was pace to take my time - we went a good gallop so I took a lead.

"You'd like to think there is more improvement to come from him over fences."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident after the turn into the straight on the final circuit involving Darkened ridden by P.K. Donovan, placed fourth, Takarengo, ridden by J.B. Foley, placed second, and Top Speed, ridden by H. Morgan, placed fifth, where it appeared that the riding was very tight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

At the request of the Raceday Stewards, H. Morgan, rider of Top Speed, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount stopped quickly.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Top Speed, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes