Lucky Zebo jumps the last under Rachael Blackmore© Photo Healy Racing
Lucky Zebo completed an across the card treble for Henry de Bromhead, as he comfortably accounted for his 10 rivals in the concluding Kilbeggan Racecourse Beginners Chase.
Earlier successful with Bojak and Great Bear at Cork, Lucky Zebo was widely expected to bring up the three-timer for de Bromhead and was sent off the 10/11 favourite.
Ridden by Rachael Blackmore, who was earlier fourth on her sole ride in the opener at Cork, the six-year-old was completing a hat-trick after winning his last two over flights.
Going the shortest way around on the inner and settled behind the leaders, the Yorgonnabelucky gelding got to the front before the last and soon asserted, going on to score easily by six-lengths.
There was a further six-lengths between the second and third, with Pearl Of The West (5/1) filling the runner-up spot ahead of Hope Des Blins (11/1 from 20s) in third.
Robbie Power representing de Bromhead said: "That was ideal. We've always thought he'd be a better chaser than he was a hurdler and hopefully that will be the case.
"That was a good starting point. He jumped super all the way and travelled well. The rain this morning was a big plus - he handled the summer soft ground well.
"We'll look for options going forward but they will be ground related. He won't go on quick ground.
"Turning in and Rachael was three lengths down you were thinking she must have plenty of horse under her which she did. As soon as she gave him a squeeze he picked up well.
"I definitely think he'll stay further as well. I think two-and-a-half is a minimum and we'll see what options there are for the autumn."
STEWARDS REPORT
B. Hayes, rider of Transmission trained by C.A.Murphy, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Transmission, trained by C.A.Murphy, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be Report To Follow.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
