Moiqen back in the number 1 after long wait Moiqen showed the change of gear that you'd expect from a Group 3 winner on the level, to land the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase at Thurles. Without success since that Ballysax Stakes win in April 2008, the Red Ransom gelding even had a trip to Meydan in the meantime, but he now races for Mrs Michael Byrne and her trainer son Philip from Birr in County Offaly and he was ridden here by Davy Russell. He got the better of Stradbally (a nicely supported 6/1 shot) and Lisrose from the back of the last to score by a length and a quarter and a length. Coolnagorna Giggs stayed on to take the fourth spot, a neck back. Philip Byrne revealed: "That's my fourth winner over jumps this season and my fifth in all. "Fences have slowed this fella down and made him settle. "Davy gave him a super ride as he got him to switch off. "I hope there's some improvement in him when the ground dries. "It's great to get a winner for the family." (AM & EM)
