Koshari made the perfect start to his career over fences, as he came home an easy winner of the opener at Thurles this afternoon, the Jim Murphy Contract Fence Builder Irish EBF Beginners Chase.

Off the track since finishing fourth of four at Punchestown in November of 2016, the French bred son of Walk In The Park was expected to prevail this afternoon, going off the 8/11 favourite.

Prominent throughout under Danny Mullins, he made a slight mistake at the fifth. He then asserted before two out, and came home fifteen lengths to the good in the colours of Rich and Susanna Ricci. Veneziano Springs (33/1) finished second under David Splaine for Terence O'Brien, while Wishmoor (7/2 to 11/4) was a short head back in third, with Rachael Blackmore aboard for Mouse Morris.

The winning rider said afterwards: "That was a good performance and he is open to improvement. It was a good starting point following a long layoff and hopefully he can improve."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages of this race involving Veneziano Springs (FR), ridden by D.E. Splaine, placed second and Wishmoor, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed third, where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings. The Stewards did, however, advise D.E. Splaine to ride with more awareness in the future.

K.M. Donoghue, rider of Fire In His Eyes trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a noise in running.

The Stewards requested a report from D.F. O'Regan, rider of Kopookris trained by Liam P Cusack, who reported that his mount was unable to go the strong early pace but stayed on in the closing stages.

John J Fitzpatrick, rider of Lough Derg Lyric trained by P.G.Coffey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up having made a noise in the back straight.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes