Saxobeat another for red-hot Mr Gibney

From his last 12 runners, Tom Gibney has now had six winners, with Mr Saxobeat providing the Co Meath handler with his latest success in the Bulmers Original Beginners Chase.

The winner of a bumper at the Galway Festival in 2021, the son of Ask was placed four times since, disappointing on his three most recent starts.

Making his racecourse debut over fences, the seven-year-old was sent off a 13/8 chance under Eoin Walsh and raced mainly in second.

Not fluent five out, he jumped well in the main and improved to the front on the approach to the second last, soon going a few lengths clear.

Big and bold over the final fence, he was kept up to his work on the run-in and came home two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Britzka (4/1) in second.

Sent off the even money favourite, Clondaw Hollow finished a disappointing third after attempting to make all.

The winner, who is owned by the Roberto Syndicate, failed to complete in two point-to-point starts when in the care of Conor O'Keeffe.

"He was very good, likes good ground and the proper good ground really suited him," Gibney commented.

"I didn't expect to beat the favourite (Clondaw Hollow, reported to have burst blood vessels) today but he underperformed and we were there to pick up the pieces.

"I can't believe I couldn't win a hurdle race with him, but I couldn't. He'll stay chasing now and seemed to enjoy it but you wouldn't know, he could go back hurdling again at some stage."

Regarding his recent hot streak, he added: "It's down to the right horses in the right races and a lot of luck!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.J Gilligan, rider of Britzka, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung left turning into the straight.

R.A. Doyle, rider of Clondaw Hollow (GB), placed third, trained by John C. McConnell, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Clondaw Hollow (GB) trained by John C. McConnell was noted to have blood at both nostrils post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes