Act Of God opens his account over fences

The versatile Act Of God registered a sixth career success, as he opened his account over fences in the O’Driscoll’s Irish Whiskey Beginners Chase.

A three-time winner over flights and twice successful on the level, the Edward O’Grady trained seven-year-old was last seen finishing fifth to Enniskerry in a beginners chase at Galway last week.

Sent off a 3/1 chance this evening, the son of Camelot raced mainly in third and took closer order in second from four out.

In a share of the lead approaching the second last, he was ridden to the front on the run-in, keeping on best to score by a length-and-a-quarter. Railway Hurricane who was returned the 9/4 favourite, had to settle for second under Keith Donoghue for Gavin Cromwell, while Effernock Fizz (10/3), on debut for Cian Collins, was another six-and-a-half lengths back in third.

"He did what he promised to do really," O’Grady said of the Brian Comer owned victor.

"He was staying on very well at Galway the last day and the longer trip today probably suited him. I think he is a horse to go handicapping with rather than higher expectations. If that happened it would be great but we will be looking at handicapping.

"He has been a lovely horse. He has won a couple of the Flat and over hurdles, so he has been very versatile which is great.

"The plan was to win today, get him handicapped and then see what the story is."