Witness off the mark over timber

Chosen Witness gave weight and a beating to his rivals in the two-mile maiden hurdle at Thurles.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding had won a point-to-point and bumper to start his career and was getting off the mark at the fourth attempt over timber.

Sean O'Keeffe tracked the leaders on the 10/3 shot before moving up to dispute two from home.

He took over from long-time leader Touch Me Not before the final flight and stuck on well in the closing stages to record a two-length success over the staying-on Answering

The winning rider said:- "He is going in the right direction again and is definitely improving.

“He is a fine big horse and while he can be ignorant at one or two hurdles, he has scope and I'd imagine will very good over a fence."

O'Keeffe rode the winner to finish 19th in the Cheltenham Bumper last March and added:- "You can always forgive a horse a disappointing run in that race and he is getting things right this year."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)