Digeanta maintains his unbeaten record

Champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins saddled a one-two at Killarney, but it was 6/1 chance Digeanta who nailed even money favourite Midnight Oil on the line.

This was a mile and six contest for qualified riders and from two furlongs out Sara O’Brien on Marchese Marconi and Katie Walsh on Midnight Oil fought out a battle that would continue right to the line.

Digeanta and Mikey Fogarty were still a length down with a few strides to go but stayed on to grab the other two right on the line.

Mikey Fogarty said: “He’s very tough and all he does is gallop. He’s improving with every run. He’s by Helissio and really likes that ground. I knew a battle would suit him.

“I’m delighted to get the ride as Patrick [Mullins] is on holidays in Australia, but I think he’s back today. He rang me on the way down so that’ll be the end of it!”

Looking forward to Galway Fogarty added: “The amateurs get well looked after at the summer festivals.”

Six-year-old gelding Digeanta is now four from four having won a bumper, a maiden hurdle and a flat maiden before today.

There was a sting in the tail for Fogarty as he received a four-day ban from the stewards for excessive frequency with the whip. Katie Walsh got a one-day ban for the same offence.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee