Double for Dempsey as Abarta denies the fav

After winning the first aboard Moonmeister Luke Dempsey doubled-up in the Its Summer Time Handicap Chase, as Abarta got up close home to deny the well-supported favourite Royal Chief

Backed from 5/1 to 10/3 and favourite on-course Royal Chief disputed the lead early on and led after the sixth.

He stretched clear from four out with the eventual winner under pressure in a remote third.

When Royal Chief cleared the last he looked home and hosed under Adam O'Neill but he then nearly collided with the rail and lost valuable momentum.

Abarta seized the initiative on the run-in, hitting the front inside the final 100 yards before going on to score by two lengths for Val O'Brien.

Royal Chief had to settle for second while St Maxime was a further length and a quarter back in third under James Kane for Gavin Cromwell at 14/1.

Winning owner Sean O'Brien said afterwards: "I was hopeful today but he had never been here before.

"I was pleasantly surprised as I thought he was going to be a poor third. Luke gave him a perfect ride.

"Galway is a possibility now but today was the target. Val couldn't be here today. It was four and three quarter hours to get here from Galway."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham