Air supreme on hurdling debut

Air Supremacy made a winning debut over flights, as he took the opener at Killarney this afternoon, the seamusweldon.com Maiden Hurdle.

Previously trained by Aidan O'Brien, the son of Galileo was last seen winning a Corinthian Challenge Race at the Curragh.

Now under the care of Joseph O'Brien, and owned by JP McManus, the four-year-old gelding was sent off a 3/1 joint-favourite.

Settled behind the leaders by Mark Walsh, he wasn't fluent on a number of occasions, but still came to challenge at the third last.

He was ridden and got to the front before the final flight, keeping on well from there to score comfortably by four lengths. Archer's Up (33s to 22s on-course) kept on to take second under Jack Kennedy for Gavin Cromwell, while Mighty Concorde (25s in early shows, returned 4/1) was another length and a half back in third.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said afterwards: "He has a bit to learn about jumping but it was nice to get it out of the way and he did it nicely. Hopefully his jumping will improve and he's a nice horse.

"He could go to Listowel for a novice hurdle next."

STEWARDS REPORTS

C.A. Landers, rider of Sticky Situation trained by Patrick Neville, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel in running.

D.J. McInerney, rider of Sideline Cut trained by E. Bolger, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran very green.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sticky Situation, trained by Patrick Neville, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

Liam P Cusack, trainer of Must Have Another reported to the Clerk of Scales that his charge struck into himself in running and was lame post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes