Donoghue displays Excellence in Routine win

Keith Donoghue delivered Routine Excellence from off a strong pace to quicken away from rivals in the Jimmy Neville Memorial Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Donoghue was content to bide his time for much of this contest before moving into fourth early in the straight. At that point, it became clear that he was on the best horse as he closed steadily on the leaders.

Having quickened up to lead and go clear after the last, he had to survive the late challenge of runner-up Baldur's Gate before reasserting.

Winning rider Donoghue, who is enjoying a fine season, said: "he did it well, we went a good gallop and I probably got him going a bit soon after the bend and he idled a little bit.

"He won a hurdle and chase last year and has been disappointing since with a couple of problems, but hopefully is back now - we always thought he had ability."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes