Rhinestone easily accounts for well-backed Simona

Rhinestone easily accounted for his nine rivals in the last at Thurles, the Ryan Tarmacadam (Pro/Am) Flat Race.

The Joseph O'Brien trained Montjeu gelding was second of three on his debut at Punchestown last month, and proved friendless with punters this afternoon.

As short as evens in early shows, the bay victor eventually went off an 11/4 chance under Derek O'Connor.

Settled in second, he was left in front when Darcis Boy ran out with over a circuit left to race. He extended his advantage early in the straight, and came home nineteen lengths to the good.

The well-backed newcomer Sancta Simona (4/7fav) finished second under Patrick Mullins for his father Willie, while Ronald Pump (50s last night and from 16s to 12s on-course) was another seven lengths back in third for Richie Deegan and Matthew Smith.

The winning rider said afterwards: "He didn't rightly relax the first day but relaxed brilliantly today and showed his full ability.

"It wasn't the strongest bumper and we've to be realistic too but it was a good performance. He'd be better on better ground and he likes to dictate and that's the mistake we made the last day."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Stewards informed Patrick Burke, authorised representative of John M.Burke, trainer of Darcis Boy, that a repeat of his charge's behaviour such as today may liable his charge for a suspension in the future.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes