There was a J P McManus 1-3 as Hearts Are Trumps led them home under Mark Walsh in the Team Powerstown Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. Nulife jumped left two out doing Tarazani (eventual 2nd) and the Des McDonogh-trained Hearts Are Trumps no favours.

However Denman's close relative was travelling at his ease and he was able to go on and put three and a quarter lengths between himself and Tarazani. Edna for McManus and Joseph O'Brien, finished half a length back in third.

"That's my first winner for J.P. and it was lovely to get one for him," explained McDonogh.

"I come from Limerick and I learned my trade out where he came from, with P.P. Hogan's brother Gerard in Ballycahane.

"I started off there and it started the whole thing and myself and J.P. go back to the Queen's Hotel (in Cheltenham) all those years ago in the '70s."

He added: "I had one horse for J.P. two years ago but that is my first winner and he is out of a full sister to Denman. He has a nice future ahead of him and he liked that ground, although he wouldn't want it any firmer.

"He'll stay well and down the line he'll jump fences."

J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Coolfighter (GER) trained by N Dooly, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a noise.

D.G. Hogan, rider of Nulife trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped badly left handed through out.

R. Loughran, rider of Smithscorner trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount missed the first and second hurdles and lost ground as a result of this.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Acclamatio trained by A.J.Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race. Samples were taken for analysis.

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Smithscorner, ridden by R. Loughran, and trained by Robert Tyner.

Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned.

R. Loughran, stated that his instructions were to settle his mount in sixth or seventh position.

He said his mount missed the first two hurdles which cost him ground and reported this as required under the provisions of Rule 213.

He said that having found himself further back than intended, he had to give his mount time to get jumping and wait to challenge and added that he met with slight interference on the approach to the second last, before staying on in the closing stages.

Robert Tyner, confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride considering that his charge had missed the first two hurdles.

He said his charge is a horse with plenty of ability but had disappointed in the past.

He added that he was expecting a good run today in his first handicap on ground he had shown his best form on, but felt that the mistakes made early on in the race had cost him.

He further added that he intended to run his charge over two miles on good ground through out the summer.

Evidence was also heard from Mr. Andrew Shaw, I.H.R. B Handicapper, who outlined the animals previous form.

The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, who stated that Smithscorner had a graze on the right hind, but was otherwise found to be post race normal. Samples were taken for analysis.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

(TW & EM)