Ballysteen jumps to it in opener

The opening Templemore Beginners Chase at Thurles proved a typically incident-packed event with Ballysteen coming out on top in the 2m2f contest.

Kevin Sexton’s mount was left in front when the front-running 3/1 favourite Third Opinion unseated Ger Fox while holding a clear lead six out.

The Gigginstown eight-year-old kept on well in the straight, and the 13/2 chance asserted on the run-in to beat Bar Stool Bob by ten lengths with Tabac Brun staying on just a short-head further adrift in third. Local Celebrity was about four lengths down and making no impression in third place when falling at the final fence.

“He jumped well and deserved it, and we’ll try and find a little handicap for him somewhere,” said winning trainer Mouse Morris.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes