John Kiely, successful earlier in the handicap hurdle with Carlingford Lough completed an opening night double in the concluding irelandhotels.com-sponsored bumper as Saint Gervais stretched clear in the straight for a very convincing victory.
Derek O'Connor sent the six-year-old to the front approaching the straight, and the 4/1 favourite soon drew clear to such effect that he had nine lengths to spare at the line over Maller Tree (9/2). Grey Hession (7/1) was another half length back in third.
Kiely said, “He lived up to what we always thought of him. He ran too free the first day at Punchestown, and was beaten by a good horse (Clondaw Warrior) last time at Cork. He'll go for a winners bumper.”
The placings remained unaltered following a stewards enquiry which did not involve the winner. Kate Harrington (Maller Tree) and Andrew Duff (on fourth placed Realt Den Chathair were both severely cautioned over two separate incidents in the straight.
Alan Magee
