Thief makes perfect start over fences

Identity Thief made the perfect start to his chasing career, as he ran out an easy winner of the Download The BETDAQ App Beginners Chase.

A high class performer over hurdles, the son of Kayf Tara won the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle last November, and was second in two other Grade 1 contests at Leopardstown and Punchestown respectively.

Sent off the 2/11 favourite today he raced in a share of the lead with O Ceallaigh hitting the front with four fences to jump.

The Henry De Bromhead trained victor was briefly pushed along after the last, and soon asserted, going on to score easily by fourteen lengths with David Mullins in the saddle.

O Ceallaigh filled the runner-up spot under Kevin Sexton for Peter Fahey at 8/1, while Nine Stiches was thirty-five lengths back in third under Brian O'Connell for John Joe Walsh at 12/1.

De Bromhead said afterwards: "He did it as well as you could have asked. He jumped well and David gave him a super ride.

"He was quick when he got in short and has loads of scope as well. They went a good lick.

"That was what I was hoping for and couldn't ask for any more.

"I will have to speak to Michael and Eddie (O'Leary) but he has a number of options. I would normally favour coming back here for the Craddockstown but there are also races at Cheltenham and Navan.

"He will stick to that trip for the moment but I don't see why he couldn't go up in trip in the future."

Paddy Power go 10/1 (from 12/1) about Identity Thief for Arkle.

STEWARDS REPORT

R. Loughran, rider of Damut trained by Joseph Dullea, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped sticky during this race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee