Avec Espoir runs his rivals ragged under Kelly Avec Espoir ran his rivals ragged from the front in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase, making all and coming home 19-lengths to the good. Trained in Co Galway by Val O'Brien and owned by his brother Sean, the 11-year-old soon established a sizable advantage under Aidan Kelly and maintained that lead all the way to the line. The easy-to-back Garde La Peche (17/2 from 10/3) was best of the rest under Ethan O'Sullivan for Henry de Bromhead, while Definiteadare (8/1) and Favori Logique (9/1) were third and fourth respectively. Returned the 6/1 favourite (from 11/4 early), Kilmurry Jj unseated at the first. Registering a fourth career success, the chestnut victor claimed this very contest back in 2021. "I thought he had a chance but didn't think he'd win like that. He jumped very well. They didn't go after him and he probably enjoyed that too," O'Brien commented. "He goes well around here. He likes goodish ground and likes going left-handed. "We might go back to Killarney for something there around 2m6f or 2m7f." STEWARDS REPORTS * S. O'Callaghan, rider of Favori Logique (FR), trained by Ross O'Sullivan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped slowly. * C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Tullyveery Lad, trained by R.P.Cody, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped poorly. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
