Rekero completed a treble for Joseph O'Brien at Thurles, as he battled gamely to claim the Horse & Jockey Maiden.

Having filled the runner-up spot on his last two starts, the Fastnet Rock colt was stepped-up in trip to two miles for the first time today.

Sent off an easy to back 7/1 chance, the three-year-old raced mainly in third under Declan McDonogh, improving into a closer second with half a mile to race.

Ridden to the front early in the straight, he was pressed by Jesse Evans from the furlong pole. The pair had a good tussle from there with Rekero getting on top in the closing stages, going on to score by half-a-length.

The runner-up was returned the 7/4 favourite (11/2 in early shows) under Colin Keane for Noel Meade, while Duffle Coat (11/4) was another five-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Brendan Powell, assistant trainer to O'Brien, said: "He wears blinkers but it's only because he's so laidback at the moment. He needs them to help the jockey more than anything else.

"He's as genuine a horse as you'll get. He got headed there by a horse that has a bit of class and for a three-year-old he stayed the trip well. He's going away at the line.

"He has a big future whether he stays on the Flat over trips or goes jumping."

Joseph O'Brien was earlier successful with Voice Of Angels in the opener and Adelisa in the third.

STEWARDS REPORTS

B.M. Coen, rider of Sin A Bhfuil trained by Emmet Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount sustained an injury in running and fell independently of any other horse.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Malawi trained by A.P.O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee