Powersbomb justifies favouritism

Powersbomb ran out a comfortable winner of the concluding Lilac Rooms Maiden, scoring under Colin Keane for Brian McMahon.

A three time winner under National Hunt rules, the seven-year-old son of Trans Island was third on his first two starts on the level.

He went down by just a nose and a short head on his last start at Ballinrobe, and he was sent to post the 11/10 favourite this evening, after opening on-course at 13/8.

Soon in front, the chestnut gelding made virtually all, keeping on well under pressure from over a furlong out, going on to score easily by six and a half lengths for owner Carmel Lordan. Flaming Sea (5/2) attempted to reel in the winner from the two furlong pole, but he ultimately had to settle for second under Billy Lee for Conor O'Dwyer.

Secret Splendor (6/1) completed the placings a further half a length back in third for Joseph and Donnacha O'Brien.

Brian McMahon said afterwards: "He's done it very well, and is a real stable star for me as I only have a few in.

"He's been to Leopardstown at Christmas twice, and the Festivals at Cheltenham and Punchestown.

"He'll go to Galway, and may go for the amateur handicap on the first night or the Guinness Handicap on the Friday. He'll probably get more entries for Galway than any other horse, as he'll be in hurdles and chases as well.

"He may get an entry in the Plate but I think it is too far as he walked home after the last over 2m 4f at Cheltenham."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee