Reverend Hubert shows plenty on first crack at chasing

Strong-travelling Reverend Hubert put in a lovely performance on chasing bow to take the beginners' chase on Limerick's card.

Philip Byrnes was virtually motionless as his partner claimed What Path on the run to the straight. He was still on a tight rein as he went on by two lengths at the penultimate fence.

A superb jump at the last saw him increase his lead over Stuzzikini as What Path weakened. The 10/11 favourite bounded away on the run-in by six lengths over Stuzzikini (15/2) to bring up his fifth career success (three on the Flat in Britain and a Downpatrick maiden hurdle last summer).

Charles Byrnes said: "He had schooled very well, and the distance and the ground were a big thing for him. He is a fine horse and will keep going for the summer.

"He is better off jumping and likes to have fences in front of him. We'll look to Galway."

Quick ground saw five of the 11 runners scratched from this contest.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes