The first race at Bellewstown tonight cut up to only three runners and hotpot Marchese Marconi got the job done with a convincing front-running performance.

Mark Walsh set the pace on the 2/7 favourite and he had plenty up his sleeve to repel the challenge of Aminabad

The Aidan O'Brien-trained gelding kept on well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length victory in the colours of JP McManus.

The winner was gaining reward for his consistency and Galway is now next on the agenda.

Joseph O'Brien was representing his father and said:-

"It wasn't ideal having to make the running but he's a lovely horse and he's very consistent.

"He might go for the GPT (Connacht Hotel Q.R. Handicap) or something. He ran in it last year but didn't get a great trip around.

"He's a fun horse to have. Looking at him today you'd think he'll jump a fence."