J. P. MCMANUS dominated the early action at Kilbeggan where his familiar colours were carried to success in the opening three races by three different jockeys.

Joseph O’Brien sent out the first two winners, with Treasure Chest, formerly trained by his father Aidan, defying a major walk in the market before his jumping debut in the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle. The Galileo gelding reeled in clear leader Tiger Track by the home turn, and asserted on the run-in under Shane Shortall for an easy two and a half-length verdict at odds of 10/1.

McManus was represented by his racing manager, Frank Berry: “His jumping got better as the race went on. The bit of rain was a help and hopefully we’ll find a handicap for him.”

Runner-up Denham Sound won at Wexford on Wednesday.

Persistent (11/2) completed a quick double for the same connections in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle. This time Jody McGarvey did the steering and the four-year-old son of Montjeu, competing in his first handicap, quickened up when asked after the last to beat Newsworthy by half a length.

“He kept going and jumped the last couple well. He ran well here the last day and may come back here again,” said Berry.

The 231/1 McManus treble was completed by the Robert Tyner-trained Don’t Kick Nor Bite in the Bloomfield House Hotel (Mares) Hurdle. Mark Walsh had the 9/4 chance in front over half a mile out and she kept on well under pressure in the straight to beat Miss Saphire by three-quarters of a length.

“She jumped well and stayed well and just got a bit tired after the last. We’ll try to find another one of those for her and she will mix it between hurdles and fences,” said Frank Berry.

Walsh completed a quick double in the three-mile Summer Party Pack Discount Handicap Hurdle where he produced Na Trachtalai Abu (12/1) from off the pace to lead on the run-in for a half-length success over Presenting Julio.

Clonmel-based owner Brian Acheson said: “James (Motherway, trainer) has shown great patience with him and Mark gave him a lovely ride. He’s a summer horse and likes the good ground.”

DUG DEEP

Mr Boss Man, a faller two out when holding every chance at Punchestown last time, gained ample compensation by landing the featured Like Kilbeggan Races On Facebook Handicap Chase. The 9/1 chance made virtually all under Roger Loughran, and dug deep on the run-in to beat Garrai Phaidin by three-quarters of a length.

The nine-year-old gelding is owned by Camillus Slevin and trained near Enfield by his son Nigel, who said: “That made up for the last day and I thought he was a winner without a penalty coming here. The handicapper can’t be too hard on him for that and he’s been a great old servant.

“There is a hurdle race in Bellewstown that he could go for. My day job is a farrier and I have seven in training at the moment.”

Conrad Hastings got his career back on track when making a smooth transition to fences in the Mid Summer Monday 26th June Race Evening Beginners Chase.

The 7/1 (from 10/1) chance had his task eased when odds-on favourite Bamako Moriviere fell while leading at halfway and Davy Russell’s mount took command approaching the last to score by 17 lengths.

The Clipper Logistics-owned gelding is trained by Henry de Bromhead, who commented: “He handled the ground well which is a bit of a surprise as Flemensfirths usually want an ease. He beat Don’t Kick Nor Bite in a maiden hurdle very easily but then got a bit lost.

“He could go for the two-mile, six-furlong winners’ race at Killarney next month. There is a lovely programme for novices.”

The Add Kilbegganraces On Snapchat bumper proved a great triumph for the King family as Yes Pat, available at 14/1 earlier in the day and sent off at 9/1, led over a furlong out and kept on well to beat Ken’s Well by two lengths. The daughter of Yeats is trained near Thurles by James King, ridden by his brother Pa and owned by their mother Josephine.

Acting stewards

Justice T. Hunt, Justice F. Clarke, P. Molony, H. Lappin, P. D. Matthews.

HORSE TO FOLLOW

TREASURE CHEST (J. P. O’Brien) Showed promise on the flat last year and should pay his way as a dual-purpose gelding after making a winning debut over hurdles here.