O'Keefe off the mark on Ashjan in paid ranks

It was a red-letter day in Tramore for former amateur jockey Sean O'Keefe who grabbed his first victory in the paid ranks aboard Ashjan

The five-year-old gelding collared Biddy The Boss in the closing stages of the two mile five handicap hurdle to score by half a length at 11/1.

Biddy The Boss stuck to her task well but had to settle for second at 13/2 (from 8/1).

Course specialist Coolfighter flashed home late for third at 8/1.

Trainer Liz Doyle said: "That's Sean's first win as a professional and he is going to be very good. It's kind of his day."

She then added of Ashjan: "He wasn't 100 per cent at Downpatrick two runs ago. He probably just needed the run back the last day.

"It's a new syndicate for me and it's important to get the win. I'm very grateful they sent the horse to me.

"I've schooled him over fences and he was entered in a beginners here, so he is going to mix it now. He is a lovely, sound, fun horse.

"We tried cheekpieces for the first time today for something different. He was a little bit reluctant to jump off as he doesn't like being in around horses. We kept him wide, and he had the bit of good ground on the outer. He doesn't like cover.

"He is in on Tuesday at Sligo in an 80 to 95 so we will have a look. We might claim the seven (pounds) again with a penalty."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy