PLINTH is on target for a crack at the Galway Hurdle following his victory in the Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.

The Joseph O'Brien-trained gelding, who carries the famous colours of J.P. McManus, won the two-mile feature by three and a half lengths from Kitten Rock (5/1), returning at odds of 16/1 in the hands of Jody McGarvey.

The even-money favourite Ivan Grozny, trained by Willie Mullins, was another one and three-quarter lengths behind in third.

O'Brien said afterwards: "He's a great horse in fairness to him and never disappoints and Jody gave him a great ride and gets on well with him.

"He ran fairly well in the Galway Hurdle one year but isn't on the right side of the handicap now but will be well entitled to take his chance.

He jumps well and he tries but coming here I thought the trip might be a bit sharp for him now that he is getting older but he has handled it well today."

Sirici caused a bit of a shock when the young filly claimed listed honours at Tipperary, winning at 14/1.

The five-furlong Coolmore Pride of Dubai Tipperary Stakes seemed to revolve around 4/5 favourite Actress, who finished sixth in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot a fortnight ago.

Aidan O'Brien's inmate did not lose a great deal in defeat, but the Fozzy Stack-trained Sirici travelled smoothly for Chris Hayes and was nicely on top at the line, with a neck the winning distance. Now You're Talking was another short-head behind the protagonists in third place.

THIRD TIME LUCKY

Berkeley Square (1/5 fav) opened his account at the third time of asking with a smooth victory in the opening Glenvale Stud Irish EBF Maiden.

Seamus Heffernan was happy to take a lead in the early exchanges but took over as they swung for home and although runner-up Swing Till Dawn proved a game foe, Berkeley Square was always getting the better of the argument and forged lengths clear in the closing stages.

Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "I'm delighted with him and he had two lovely runs. He came forward lovely from his first to his second run and Seamus (Heffernan) was very happy with him again.

"He might come back here for the listed race (Coolmore Stud Stakes) next month and obviously will get a mile well this year and be a middle-distance horse next year.

"It was nice for him to get a lead around there and he learned himself there today - he'll be a nice colt."

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