Sa Majeste battles to victory in Tipperary

The JP McManus-owned six-year-old defeated Noble Yeats during his hurdling career and finished second behind Search For Glory at Galway in his debut over fences in October.

The gelding had to battle for the victory under Mark Walsh jumping awkwardly at times and only beating Shannon Royale 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.”

Meanwhile, Gavin Cromwell’s Only By Night won the Tipperary Beginners Chase in good style under Keith Donoghue.

The 9/2 chance defeated 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.

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.”