Hugh Morgan completed a quick double for Henry de Bromhead when Demain De L’aube (3/1) landed the AXA Smart Insurance Midlands National July 9th Opportunity Beginners Steeeplechase.
In first-time blinkers, the 8-year-old was handy from the outset and led from the fifth. Ridden clear before the last, he stayed on well to beat Blackhillsofdakota (10/3) by six and a half lengths.
The 2/1 favourite Cerberus wasn’t foot perfect and didn’t land a blow before finishing seventh on chasing debut.
The winner had won a couple of hurdle races at Auteuil before coming to Ireland and put his handicap experience to good use with a sound display of jumping.
“Blinkers made some difference to him and Henry had him in super nick for today," said Morgan
“I’m delighted for the owner (Alan Halsall) who has had loads of patience with him. He was difficult at the start and huge credit goes to Chris Dunne who has done a lot of work with him at home.”