HENRY de Bromhead continued his good recent record in the Matchbook Betting Exchange Chase as Gorgeous Tom easily landed the odds in the two-mile, seven-furlong Grade 3 event to complete another double on the day for the Knockeen trainer and Darragh O’Keeffe.

The Envirogreen Housing Services-owned 4/6 favourite got the better of Croke Park after three out before drawing well clear approaching the last under O’Keeffe to beat that rival by an impressive 22 lengths.

“We felt it would be good to try one of these conditions races after running in those big handicaps and it was lovely he went and did it. He loves that (good) ground,” said de Bromhead, who also won this feature with Heart Wood and Minella Indo in recent years.

On future plans he added: “There’s the Coral Gold Cup (at Newbury), which he was fourth in last year after kind of missing the start and being on the backfoot, or we might think about the Savills or something like that, as he was so good there.”

The Dotski initiated the de Bromhead/O’Keeffe double when making virtually all in the two-mile mares’ handicap hurdle, with the evens favourite taking command early in the straight to beat Astelia by 12 lengths.

“I’m delighted for Jamie (Allday), who has had a few winners with us recently, but this is the first time he’s been here.

“We hoped she was off a fair mark, and it turned out she was. She’s a gorgeous big chasing mare,” said de Bromhead.

Wide-margin win

Chanceawetmorning took the other Grade 3 on the card, the two-and-a-quarter-mile Matchbook Betting Exchange Novice Chase, in decisive fashion.

Jack Kennedy’s mount headed the front-running Bunting two out and held about a length advantage when that rival blundered and unseated Paul Townend at the last. This left runner-up Sir Allen 22 lengths behind the winner.

“I only stuck him in the race at 11.50 the other morning, when I saw the very small entry. I thought the trip was a bit short for him, but he was very tough,” said Gordon Elliott, who trains the 11/2 winner for Conor McGlone.

“He probably wouldn’t want real winter ground, but we’ll see what happens. He’s after winning five races for us this summer, so it’s great.”

GAVIN Cromwell was another trainer in double form and landed a second academy hurdle in the space of three days, as Lunar Stride took the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Academy Hurdle over two miles, three furlongs.

The 5/2 shot, owned in partnership by Nigel O’Hare and Kabin Racing Syndicate, was given a patient ride to lead at the last and drew clear on the run-in under Kevin Sexton to beat Juarileo by four and three-quarter lengths.

“He’s a grand, simple, straightforward horse and had plenty of schooling done at home. They probably went steady enough and then they quickened it after three out,” said Cromwell.

Danestown double

The Danestown trainer quickly followed up when Fiveandahalf justified good support in the two-mile maiden hurdle.

Quest For Answers made a bold bid from the front, but was headed early on the run-in by the 6/5 favourite who scored by a length and three-quarters in the hands of Keith Donoghue.

“I thought turning in that he was in trouble, but he knuckled down and battled well. He has a good attitude and could definitely step up in trip,” said Cromwell of the Good Mix Syndicate-owned gelding.

For sale sign up

Harpy Eagle (7/2), trained by Ray Cody for his wife Gillian, recorded a second win this season in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle, with Michael Kenneally’s mount getting the better of Elusive Ogie on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter.

“It’s only now he’s starting to grow up. He had a lovely light weight, and he got a very good ride. I’d say he wouldn’t be one for real winter ground and is for sale,” said the Kilkenny trainer.

A stewards’ enquiry was called after Take The Free was left at the start, but he was confirmed a runner despite not taking any part in the race.

GIANT Haystacks (7/2) wrestled victory from the jaws of defeat, when rallying strongly after two out under Dara McGill to peg back the front-running My Cullen by half a length close home in the amateur riders’ handicap chase over two miles, five furlongs. Winning trainer Ross O’Sullivan’s assistant Tom Harney said: “It looked like they went a strong pace, Dara gave him a chance and he came home well. The key to him is a bit of nice ground, and I’m delighted for the lads (Keep It Simple Syndicate) from Clane.”

In form

Liz Doyle made it three winners from her last five runners, as Manu Reva got up on the line to make a successful debut in the bumper.

The 28/1 shot was only fifth a furlong out, but the penny really dropped in the closing stages as he responded to Barry Stone’s urgings to touch off 9/4 joint-favourite Sharbel by a short head, with Hill Silver just a head further back in third.

The placings remained unaltered following an enquiry into possible interference between the second and third, although both Patrick Mullins and Dara McGill were given four-day bans for careless riding.

Doyle said: “He was the pick of the paddock and had gone very well with the horse that won the bumper in Tramore last week (Long Goodbye). He was very green, very raw and will improve stones for today. He’s for sale and has got a huge future ahead of him.”