O'Brien brothers score with Tigris River

Tigris River trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by his brother Donnacha, successfully reverted to the flat when taking the Brady Burns Insurance Brokers Supporting Junefest Handicap at the Curragh.

The J P McManus-owned gelding reappeared after a ten-month break at Killarney last month, and was well-supported on track here from 6/1 into 4/1 joint favourite.

The son of Montjeu, who was fifth behind Clondaw Warrior in the Galway Hurdle last year, made smooth headway to challenge in the straight and led over a furlong out in this two-mile test.

He kept on well inside the final furlong to beat Zafayan by two and three quarter lengths, with Sir Ector staying on the same distance further back in third.

Joseph O’Brien said, “They went quick and the race fell into his lap a bit. Donnacha gave him a lovely ride, and hopefully the handicapper won’t be too hard on him.

“He will mix it between hurdles and the flat and will probably go to Galway. He will have a run somewhere before that.”