O'Brien reasserts in title race

Joseph O’Brien moved further clear in the race for the Flat jockeys’ championship as Francis Of Assisi ran out a clear-cut winner of the Tifrums European Breeders Fund Maiden at Naas.

Starting the afternoon five ahead of Pat Smullen, who had a double at Dundalk on Friday night, O’Brien restored a six-winner advantage (86-80) as the even-money favourite responded to first-time cheekpieces.

Asserting over a furlong out, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Danehill Dancer colt ran on to beat long-time leader General Direction with plenty in hand.