Triplicate provides Joseph O'Brien with quick double

Triplicate continued the red-hot form of the Joseph O’Brien yard when taking the Gas Networks Ireland Novice Hurdle to complete a quick double for the Piltown trainer at Listowel. Petit Tartare recorded a 16/1 surprise in the opening maiden hurdle but Triplicate carried a lot more confidence in this two-mile event.

Mark Walsh ’s mount, available at 9/2 this morning and sent off at 11/4, struck the front after the pace-setting Aramon made a slight mistake at the second last.

The J P McManus-owned gelding kept on well on the run-in to beat the 5/4 favourite Aramon by a length and a quarter. Eglantine Du Seuil held every chance early in the straight but could only keep on at one pace a further two lengths away in third.

McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said, "He enjoys the jumping and he handled the ground well. You couldn't have asked for more and he is going the right way.

"He is learning and where he'll get to I don't know. The Grade 3 Joe Mac Novice Hurdle at Tipperary next month would be ideal for him next."

(TW & AM)