Emcon pings the last under Kevin Sexton© Photo Healy Racing
< Carrigmoorna Rock had to settle for second best on her chasing debut at Clonmel when losing out to Emcon in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.
A winner at Grade Three and Listed level over hurdles, Robert Tyner's mare turned in an encouraging introductory round of steeplechasing but could never quite master Emcon (9-2) who was always to the fore and found plenty for pressure when challenged in the straight, eventually prevailing by five lengths.
Smart bumper performer Ten Times Better made an impressive start to her career over hurdles when running out a wide-margin victor of the opening Cahir Mares Maiden Hurdle.
The 7-4 market leader was always travelling well in the hands of Ruby Walsh and a couple of fine leaps at the final two flights helped her stretch 14 lengths clear in the closing stages.
As expected, joint-favourites Roman Gold (11-8) and Tongie dominated the Cashel Maiden Hurdle with the former handing in-form handler Gordon Elliott another winner with his six length success.
There was a 1-2 for trainer Henry de Bromhead in the Download The At The Races App Rated as Elegant Statesman (9-2) was delivered with a well-timed challenge to defeat stablemate Never Complain
The eight-year-old was a major disappointment at Navan last month but was back to his best here, jumping and travelling with plenty of enthusiasm before pulling away for a two and a half length triumph.< Damut extended his winning sequence to three when just claiming game front-runner Holeinthewall Bar to land the Clonmel Handicap Hurdle, but only after overcoming a bad blunder three out.
All hope looked lost as Holeinthewall Bar sat on his healthy lead entering the home straight but the 11-10 favourite drew on all of his reserves to get back into the contest and just got up in the shadows of the post.
