Gary Carson
Walsh doubles up on Portmore
Portmore Lough (far) beats Roconga
© Photo Healy Racing
Mark Walsh registered a quick double in the JP McManus colours at Kilbeggan when the John Kiely-trained Portmore Lough ran out a game winner of the two-mile maiden hurdle.
The Presenting gelding jumped up to dispute four out in the two miler and was in front at the next flight.
He was strongly pressed going to the second last but found more on the run-in to record a length victory over Roconga with 13/8 favourite Defining Year back in third.
The 4/1 winner had shaped with promise when third on his debut at Tipperary last month.
"He learned a bit from the first day. Mark said he was still a little green but he did it nicely and didn't mind the ground," said Frank Berry.
"It looked like he might be swallowed up rounding for the straight but in fairness to him he put his head down and battled away. We'll find a little handicap for him."