The well-backed Damefirth ran out an easy winner of the John Kennedy Motors (Toyota) Beginners Chase scoring under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead and the Wilde At Heart Syndicate.

A winner of a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan last July the six-year-old daughter of Flemensfirth was a well-beaten sixth on her debut over fences at Tramore last month.

Available at 6/1 last night she opened on-course at just 10/3 before going off the 7/2 second favourite.

Having raced mainly in third she improved into second three out. She hit the front turning into the straight and eased clear on the run-in, going on to score by nine and a half lengths. Tiger Trek was sent off the 10/3 favourite and he finished second under Roger Loughran for Sandra Hughes while Bellgrove was a further seven lengths back in third under John Cullen for Pat Cloke at 4/1.

Andrew Lynch said afterwards: "She jumped super and loved the ground. It was a drop in class from the last day, and we thought she'd run well."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed P Townend, rider of Raydari (FR), trained by Rodger Sweeney, concerning his riding from the second last fence before being passed close to the finish by "Mind The Pennies" placed fifth.

Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount never travelled from flagfall and failed to respond to pressure applied across the top of the track.

He added that he allowed his mount to finish in his own time as he felt that the horses welfare was the primary concern in anticipation that something may be amiss.

Rodger Sweeney, trainer, stated that his charge ran six days ago and may not have fully recovered from that run where he finished third. Having viewed the recording and considered the evidence, the Stewards cautioned P Townend concerning his responsibility to attain his best possible placing.

P. Townend, rider of Raydari (FR) trained by Rodger Sweeney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled at any stage of this race.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Raydari (FR), trained by Rodger Sweeney, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal other than a small superficial wound on his right fore pastern.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee