Sa Majeste made to work for chase success

Sa Majeste got off the mark over fences with success in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Tipperary.

The six-year-old, who is owned by JP McManus and trained by Willie Mullins, defeated Noble Yeats during his hurdling career and finished second on his debut over larger obstacles at Galway last time.

That defeat came behind a good quality horse in Search For Glory and as a result Sa Majeste started the 11-10 favourite on his second start over fences.

Under Mark Walsh, the gelding took on a trip of nearly three miles and did not make life easy for his rider, jumping awkwardly at times and looking in need of the experience.

He was coaxed along, however, and locked horns with Shannon Royale before eventually claiming victory by a short head.

“Mark said he hurdled a few of them but he toughed it out well,” said Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus.

“He is a chasing type so hopefully will get better at it and we’re just glad to get his head in front for now.”

Gavin Cromwell’s Only By Night showed plenty of ability when winning the Tipperary Beginners Chase in good style under Keith Donoghue.

A 9-2 chance on her first go over fences, the six-year-old caught the eye with a late turn of foot to defeat Mirazur West by six and a half lengths.

“She jumped brilliant and is very good to jump, although I thought we were in bother going along the side but she found plenty for pressure. I’m delighted with her,” said Cromwell.

“We won’t lose the run of ourselves but it was a good performance and she will go further too. There is a nice programme for mares here and she could also travel to the UK too, so we’ll see.”

Henry de Bromhead’s Taponthego made light work of winning the Visit Tipperary Maiden Hurdle as the evens favourite under Darragh O’Keeffe.

Second on his first run over obstacles last time, the five-year-old built on that performance to cruise to an easy nine-length triumph when making all the running.

Robbie Power, De Bromhead’s assistant, said: “I’m delighted with that and it is great for the lads who have been very patient with him and they are now getting rewarded.

“He had been declared a few times and went to the races, but he didn’t run because the ground was too quick.

“He had a lovely hurdling debut in Wexford when he was beaten by a very good horse and stepping up in trip really suited him today.

“He has come forward from it and is a nice horse to look forward to. Chasing will be his game but is entitled to do a bit more over hurdles this season.”