Brother Bear, near side, approaches the winning post© Photo Healy Racing
Brother Bear brought up an across-the-card double for Jessica Harrington when keeping on stoutly in the Listed Owenstown Stud Stakes over seven furlongs at Naas.
Colm O'Donoghue 's mount got a lovely run into the race on the inner as the runners swept into the straight.
He was pushed along to lead with less than a quarter of a mile to travel and was ridden to go and win his race approaching the final furlong.
Riyazan got into daylight racing past the two pole and attempted to reel the leader in. However, Brother Bear stuck to his guns and prevailed by a length and a half.
He was a popular 5/2 favourite from 7/2 chance Riyazan who kept finding, on seasonal reappearance, but couldn't match the winner.
Colm O'Donoghue said: "He took on very good competition last year and was possibly unlucky not to win the Coventry having hung across the track.
"He was the class horse in the race and it is good to get his head in front."
Jessica Harrington added: “It’s great to get him back on track. He had a good run here and that’s the first time he’s really had good to firm ground since last summer. He definitely appreciates it.
“He might go to Ascot for the Jersey. I’m not sure he’d get a mile at this stage — he might do later in his life. I think that is the logical step to go."
Jewel Maker and Texas Rock were notable non-runners in this contest.
Paddy Power cut Brother Bear from 25/1 to 20/1 for the Commonwealth Cup.
Harrington took the opening maiden hurdle in Limerick today with Jetez
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
