Chavajod strikes on first start for Coakley

Chavajod made a perfect start for new trainer Denis Coakley when coming with a strong surge to claim the Monkstown Handicap at Leopardstown, giving jockey Leigh Roche a quick double on the card.

The 40/1 shot was produced wide in the straight and hit the front just inside the final furlong of the mile contest.

He soon settled matters, going on to post a two-length win over Fastman

It was a second career success for the Toronado gelding who had finished in rear when last seen in testing conditions at the Curragh in late March.

“That's brilliant, we only have him about six or seven weeks. Johnny Murtagh did all the work and I only had to freshen him up and sweeten him up,” said Coakley.

“Riding out on his own every day seems to have done the trick. He was going well at home and I was fairly confident.

“We backed him at 50/1 and I was saying to the lads that you just have to have a small each-way bet and it will pay well. It's brilliant.”

Roche had also struck in the preceding race aboard Winston Spencer.