Opening race Naas brace for Donoghue

Keith Donoghue completed a Naas opening race double when in the Gigginstown House Stud colours he secured the Grade 3 Brady's Family Ham Supporting Kildare GAA Poplar Square Chase on Tell Us More

Victorious in the first event on Ben Dundee for Andy Lynch, here Donoghue was riding for Gordon Elliott, and having a second outing for the Cullentra House operator, Tell Us More beat fellow Gigginstown stable companion, The Game Changer by four and a quarter lengths.

There was the same gap to the third placed finisher, Alisier D'Irlande. He couldn't find any more over the closing couple of fences, after making the running as is his wont.

Elliott stated afterwards: "Keith is on fire and is riding well. This horse has a big engine but he goes left which is a shame.

"Keith gave him a great ride. He may go for the Fortria at Navan (next Sunday)."

Meanwhile Avant Tout was unsaddled on the track and taken back in the Blue Cross horsebox after pulling up before the second. He'd jumped big at the first.

It later emerged that Avant Tout suffered a deep laceration to his off fore fetlock. The leg is weight bearing and he's been taken to Anglesey Lodge Equine Hospital.

Tell Us More got a 33/1 quote first show from Paddy Power for the Ryanair Chase.

(AM & EM)