A Rated kept on gamely in the closing stages to claim the Sulzer Novice Chase at Wexford this afternoon.

Liam Kenny 's charge was the horse for money in the two-mile contest (11/2 this morning into 7/2) and after tracking front-runner Dicosimo (3/1 favourite) he took over jumping the third last. Ask Nile threw down a challenge from the second last and Sharlanda joined in on the run-in as the pair tackled the eventual winner on both sides.

Barry O'Neill 's mount found plenty, however, sticking his neck out for a half length success. Sharlanda edged the runner-up spot by head.

The winner was following up his beginners chase success at Kilbeggan last month.

"Barry thinks he might improve a bit still. He done it fairly well and will probably head to Listowel now,” said Kenny.

“There is a two mile four novice for him there and I think that will be where he runs next if everything is alright with him in the morning.

“He likes that type of ground and I'd say that is the type of ground he wants. We will probably run him no matter what way the ground comes up in Listowel.

“We will see how he gets on there before making any further plans."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)